Softball Recap: Ponder Wins Going Away Against Castleberry

While Ponder didn't have the best season last year (they finished 10-16), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They put the hurt on Castleberry with a sharp 16-1 win on Friday. Ponder might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won four matches by nine runs or more this season.

Vada Cochrum spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered a run (which was unearned) on three hits and racked up 16 Ks. Those 16 strikeouts set a new season-high mark for her.

Kami Thorson

Runs Batted In (Career)

03/07/25 @ Castleberry	4
03/04/25 @ Valley View	3
02/17/24 vs Nimitz	3
02/15/25 @ City View	2
02/17/25 @ Bowie	1

At the plate, Ponder got a massive performance out of Kami Thorson, who fired off four doubles, three runs, and four RBI while going 5-for-5. Those four RBI gave Thorson a new career-high. Harlee Ponce also deserves some recognition as she launched her first home run of the season.

Thorson wasn't the only one working in the hit department: Ponder kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 14 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Castleberry only managed three hits.

The victory made it two in a row for Ponder and bumps their season record up to 4-1. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 0.5 runs on average over those games. As for Castleberry, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost seven of their last eight contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-12-1 record this season.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. A feisty cat fight will be fought as Ponder Lions take on Paradise Panthers at 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Ponder's pitching crew has only allowed 3.2 runs per game this season, so Paradise's hitters will have their work cut out for them. As for Castleberry, they will square off against Decatur at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Decatur is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.5 runs per game this season.