Softball Recap: Make It Five in a Row for Clay

Panthers

Margin (Wins)

03/30/26 @ Western	21
04/27/26 vs East	20
05/06/26 vs Western	18
04/15/26 @ East	16
04/08/26 @ Green	14

Clay had already won four in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 8.5 runs) and they went ahead and made it five on Wednesday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Western Indians an 18-0 shutout. The result was nothing new for the Panthers, who have now won 12 contests by eight runs or more so far this season.

Elin Shaw was a major factor no matter where she played. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out seven over five innings pitched. She has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with four runs, one triple, and one stolen base.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Alayna Shepherd, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with four runs, five RBI, and two doubles. Those four runs gave her a new career-high. Heidi Smith was another key player, going 3-for-4 with four runs and two triples.

Clay's record is now 18-7. As for Western, they are on a seven-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 1-18.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Clay will welcome McClain at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. The Panthers' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Tigers have averaged an impressive 8.3 runs per game this season. As for Western, they will square off against North Adams at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. The Green Devils' pitching crew has only allowed three runs per game this season, so the Indians' hitters will have their work cut out for them.