Softball Recap: Benton Central Comes Up Short

Benton Central extended their losing streak to four on Friday, dropping their season record down to 5-12 in the process. They came up short against the Pioneer Panthers, falling 15-2. The Bison 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 2023.

As for Pioneer, the victory (which was their sixth in a row) raised their record to 11-7. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.3 runs over those games.

For Pioneer's part, Lois Layer was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run over six innings pitched. Layer has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going a perfect 5-for-5 with four runs, two stolen bases, and three doubles. That's the most runs she has posted since back in April of 2024.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Averi Layer, who went a perfect 4-for-4 with six RBI, two runs, and one double. Those four hits gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Kamryn Newby, who went 2-for-4 with three runs and one stolen base.

Benton Central has already played their next matchup, a 12-1 defeat against Hobart on the 10th. As for Pioneer, they also wasted no time getting back out on the field and have already played their next contest, a 6-5 victory against Rensselaer Central on the 10th.