Softball Recap: Pioneer Now 15-3 over Last 18 Games

Panthers

Margin (Wins)

04/26/25 @ Tippecanoe Valley	23
05/05/25 vs Oregon-Davis	21
05/09/25 vs Benton Central	13
04/28/25 vs Frontier	13
04/22/25 vs Triton	12

Pioneer won the last time they faced Benton Central and things went their way on Thursday too. The Panthers blew past the Bison 13-3. The result was nothing new for the Panthers, who have now won ten matchups by seven runs or more so far this season.

Lois Layer was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out eight over six innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with three runs and one double.

In other batting news, Pioneer let Hallie Lebo and Averi Layer run wild. Lebo went 2-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and one double, while Layer went 3-for-4 with one home run. That's the most runs Lebo has posted over her last 16 games. Another player making a difference was Addison Kennell, who went 2-for-5 with three RBI, one run, and one double.

Pioneer always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .553. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their OBP total in three consecutive contests.

Pioneer has been performing well recently as they've won 15 of their last 18 matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 20-10 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.7 runs over those games. As for Benton Central, they have been struggling recently as they've lost 12 of their last 14 games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 7-20 record this season.

Pioneer and Benton Central are set to take part in some playoff action in their next matches. The Panthers will face off against DeMotte Christian at 11:00 a.m. on Monday. Pioneer's pitchers better be ready for this one: the Knights have averaged an impressive 7.8 runs per game this season. As for Benton Central, they will head out on the road to challenge Rensselaer Central at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. The Bison's pitchers better be ready for this one: the Bombers have averaged an impressive 9 runs per game this season.