Softball Recap: Caston Takes a Loss

Caston extended their losing streak to three on Tuesday, dropping their season record down to 5-16 in the process. They fell 5-2 to the Pioneer Panthers. The Comets were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Panthers apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in May of 2024.

Hadlie Coffing

Batters Struck Out

05/20/25 vs Pioneer	9
05/17/25 vs Argos	10
05/16/25 @ Oak Hill	6
05/15/25 vs Triton	9
05/12/25 @ Marion	15

Hadlie Coffing spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and two unearned) runs on four hits and racked up nine Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in five consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Caston saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Mia Mersch, who went 1-for-2 with one run.

As for Pioneer, they have been performing well recently as they've won 14 of their last 17 games. That's provided a nice bump to their 19-10 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.5 runs over those games.

On Pioneer's side, they also let their pitcher toss all seven innings and she was also dialed-in: Lois Layer gave up two runs (both of which were unearned) on two hits and racked up eight Ks.

On the hitting side, the team relied heavily on Addison Kennell, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with one run and one RBI. Madyson Shaffer was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two RBI and one run.

Looking ahead, Caston will venture away from home to square off against Rochester at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. As for Pioneer, they will welcome Benton Central at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.