Panthers’ claim victory over the Vikings, 4 to 1

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Danny

The Potomac Falls Panthers (9-7, 7-6 Dulles District) started the week on May 1st with a 4-1 victory over district opponent Loudoun Valley. Panthers senior pitcher Caitie McClay threw a complete game giving up just three hits. The Panthers were led on offense by senior Lauren Fulcher (4-4, triple, run, 2 rbi’s, 2 stolen bases). Senior Carlyn Hanzel (1-4, 2 runs), sophomore Kaitlyn Whitaker (1-2, run, 2 sac) and freshman Logan Mehalic (1-3, rbi) also had hits for the Panthers.

The Vikings took advantage of Panther errors to take an early 1-0 lead in the second inning. Potomac Falls battled back in the third inning scoring two runs. Hanzel singled with a line drive to right field, advanced to second on Whitaker’s sacrifice bunt and advanced to third on a passed ball. Fulcher then singled on a fly ball to right field scoring Hanzel. Fulcher showed aggressive base running by stealing second, advancing to third on the throwing error and then scoring on a passed ball. With two outs in the fifth inning, the Panthers scored one run on three consecutive singles by Whitaker, Fulcher and Mehalic. Whitaker started with a single through the 5-6 hole. Fulcher followed with a hard shot single up the middle, advancing Whitaker to second. Mehalic then hit a fly ball to right field scoring Whitaker. The Panthers scored their final run in the seventh. Freshman Vanessa Swall walked but was forced out at second on a fielder’s choice by Hanzel. Whitaker then laid down another sacrifice bunt to move Hanzel to second. With Fulcher at the plate Hanzel advanced to third on a wild pitch. Fulcher remained hot with another base hit to short center field, scoring Hanzel.

The Vikings threatened in the third inning by getting two runners into scoring position but the Panthers were able to shut down their offense. The Panther defense remained strong the rest of the game limiting the Vikings to one hit in four innings. The one hit was quickly erased with a 6-4-3 double play, the second Panther double play of the game. Swall had an impressive defensive night with three put-outs and five assists.

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
PFHS	0	0	2	0	1	0	1	4	7	4
LVHS	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	4	2

Game Summary courtesy of Connie Hanzel

Panthers lose for the second time to Briar Woods

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Danny

April 27th, Potomac Falls softball lost for the second time this season to the Falcons of Briar Woods. The two teams faced each other at Potomac Falls’ Panther Park. Senior Caitie McClay pitched a complete game, taking the loss, while giving up 3 hits, 6 walks and 3 earned runs. The Panther offense only had two hits, both of them off the bat of sophomore, switch-hitter, Tiffany Barndt (2 for 3, rbi). Only three other Panthers managed to get on base, Hanzel reached-on-error in the 1st, Fulcher reached first on a dropped 3rd strike and Swall worked the only walk off of Falcon’s pitcher Jones.

The Panther’s solo run came in the 4th inning. Fulcher advanced to first on a dropped 3rd strike. She moved to second on a passed ball and then stole third. With two outs, Barndt came to the plate and slapped a hard grounder past the Falcon third baseman for a single. Fulcher scored making it 1-4, Briar Woods. Both teams remained scoreless for the rest of the game.

Defensively, McClay had seven 1-3 assists and Barndt made a terrific catch on a fading line drive down the right field line.

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
BWHS	1	0	2	1	0	0	0	4	3	2
PFHS	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	1	4

Game Summary courtesy of Connie Hanzel

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Panthers Shutout by Woodgrove

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Danny

April 24th, the Potomac Falls Panthers (8-6, 6-5 Dulles District), were shutout by Woodgrove 4-0. Wolverines’ pitcher, Allie Reid, limited the Panthers offense to three hits while striking out five and walking one. Senior Peyton Valentine (1-3), sophomore Kaitlyn Whitaker (1-3) and sophomore Tiffany Barndt (1-2) had the only hits for the Panthers. Panther’s senior pitcher Caitie McClay took the loss, giving up eight hits.

The Wolverines scored one run in the bottom of the first on two hits. The Panthers were able to hold the Wolverines scoreless in innings two through five, allowing only two hits. The Wolverines scored three more runs in the sixth inning on four hits.

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	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
PFHS	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3
WHS	1	0	0	0	0	3		4	8

Game Summary courtesy of Connie Hanzel

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Potomac Falls Prevails over Dominion in 5-4 Battle

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Danny

Friday night, the Potomac Falls Varsity Softball team came to Panther Park for their third game of the week with the hopes of a victory, having gone 1-1 in the two previous games. The Dominion Titans, always a competitive rival, looked to take their 6th Dulles District win. But it was the Panthers who prevailed with solid pitching, timely hitting, and clutch fielding. Senior Caitie McClay earned the victory on the mound for the Panthers, while Titan Pitcher, Clair Drew, took the loss. McClay went 7 innings facing 34 batters with 11 hits, 2 strike outs, no walks and 4 runs (3 earned).

The Panthers had eight hits on offense and were led by Senior Carlyn Hanzel (2 for 4, Dbl) Freshman Lauren Pollock, (2 for 3), Junior Anna Zembar (1 for 3, Dbl, Rbi). Also hitting for the Panthers were Senior Peyton Valentine (1 for 2, walk), Senior Lauren Fulcher (1 for 4) and Sophomore Tiffany Barndt (1 for 2).

Dominion scored two runs in the top of the first, but Potomac Falls was able to get one back in the bottom of the inning. Hanzel led off with a double down the third base line. Fulcher moved her to third on a ground out. Then Mehalic hit a hard shot that was tough for the shortstop to handle and Hanzel scored: 1-2 Dominion.

Both teams remained scoreless through the top of 4 but the Panthers were able to score 3 runs in the bottom of the 4th, sending eight batters the plate. Valentine started things off with a hard grounder deep in the 5-6 hole. Barndt executed a perfect sacrifice bunt to advance Valentine to second. Zembar then grounded out (5-3) while Valentine moved to third. McClay came to the plate with two outs. With a 3-1 count, McClay hit a hard ball to short and reached-on-error with Valentine scoring the tying run: 2-2. Sophomore Abi Nelson courtesy ran for McClay. Pollock and Hanzel then hit back-to-back singles to load the bases. Whitaker reached first on a throwing error by the third baseman which allowed Nelson and Pollock to score: Panthers up 4-2. Fulcher then connected on a fly ball to right field that was caught for the third out.

The Panthers got the first two Dominion batters out (5-3, F7) at the top of the 5th but Dominion kept up the fight with four straight singles. They tied the game 4-4 but McClay and the defense ended their rally and got the next batter to hit into a fielder’s choice (6-5).

With the score now tied 4-4 Potomac Falls worked to get a run. Barndt came to the plate with two outs and hit a fly ball double to left field. Zembar then connected for a double to left scoring the speedy Barndt from second. Panthers take the lead 5-4.

Due up for the Titans in the 7th were their 3, 4 and 5 hitters but the Panther defense did not disappoint. Titan center-fielder Gasser hit a single to left. The second batter popped up to Mehalic at first base for the first out. Gasser advanced to second on a passed ball. McClay again got the next batter to pop up to short but it was just behind Whitaker who made a fantastic “over the shoulder” catch for the second out keeping Gasser at second. The next batter hit a towering fly ball to center that Hanzel caught for the final out. Panthers win 5-4. Potomac Falls moved to 6-4 in the Dulles District and 8-5 overall.

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
DHS	2	0	0	0	2	0	0	4	11	6
PFHS	1	0	0	3	1	0		5	8	2

Game Summary courtesy of Connie Hanzel

Panthers Face a Hard Loss to Loudoun County 1-8

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Danny

Despite the rain and the chilly temperatures, it was still “game on” in Leesburg as the host Loudoun County Raiders took on the Panthers of Potomac Falls. This was the second meeting for the two teams, with the Panthers winning the first 3-0. However it was the Raiders offense that lifted County to victory and tied the series 1-1.

Whitaker and Fulcher both singled in the first but were left stranded on base. In the 2nd, Valentine walked and Barndt reached-on-error. Then with two outs Hanzel lined a shot out to left-center but the Raider left-fielder made a strong defensive play on the run, robbing Hanzel of a possible rbi double. In the 4th Valentine had her first of two hits and Barndt reached on a drop third strike, but both remained stranded as well. In the bottom of the 4th the Raiders plated their first run but the Panthers answered back in the 5th. Hanzel flied out to center for the first out then Whitaker walked on 7 pitches and Fulcher walked on 5. Mahelic then hit a line drive single to center scoring Whitaker for the Panthers’ first and only run of the night. Valentine was the only other Panther to get a hit the rest of the game when she singled to right to start the 6th inning. The Raider offense showed a lot of power that night in their 11 hits and 2 home runs.

Leading the Potomac Falls’ offense for the night were Senior Peyton Valentine (2 for 2, bb), Freshman Logan Mehalic (1 for 4, rbi), Senior Lauren Fulcher (1 for 3) and Sophomore Kaitlyn Whitaker (1 for 3); each adding to the five Panther hits.

McClay started in the circle for the Panthers and went 5 innings. Whitaker pitched the final inning in relief.

Potomac Falls moved to 5-4 in the Dulles District and 7-5 overall.

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
PFHS	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	5	4
LCHS	0	0	0	1	4	3		8	11	1

Game Summary courtesy of Connie Hanzel

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Panthers claim victory off of McClay’s No-Hitter and the team’s 13 hits

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Danny

Potomac Falls Varsity Softball took the field with confidence during Monday night’s game and came away with an 11-1 win over the Patriots of Park View. Senior Caitie McClay was composed on the mound, silencing the Patriot’s bats and achieving her first High School career ‘No Hitter’. McClay faced 20 batters in 5 innings with 1 BB and 1 Strike out. Park View’s only run came in the 2nd inning from a walk, defensive error and grounder to first. But it was the Panthers who put runs on the board in each of their four innings at bat, starting off with 5 runs in the 1st.

Eight different batters contributed to the hit tally, with four Panthers having multiple hits. The offense was led by Senior Carlyn Hanzel (3 for 4, dbl, 2 runs, sb), Senior Lauren Fulcher (2 for 2, rbi, 2 runs, bb), Freshman Vanessa Swall (2 for 3, rbi, run, sb) and Sophomore Tiffany Barndt (2 for 3, run, bb). Freshman Logan Mehalic (2 rbis), Sophomore Kaitlyn Whitaker (rbi, run), Junior Anna Zembar (2 runs) and Sophomore Jordan Evans (run) each added one hit apiece.

In the 1st inning the Panthers sent 9 batters to the plate. Hanzel led off with a single through the 5 – 6 hole. Barndt and Fulcher both walked. With the bases loaded Mehalic singled scoring Hanzel. Whitaker hit into a fielder’s choice with Patriots getting the lead runner out at the plate. McClay was hit by a pitch which scored Fulcher as the runners advanced. Zembar also hit into a fielder’s choice with the Patriots again able to get the out at home. Swall then singled to right which scored Whitaker but the fielder also committed an error which allowed two more runs to score, Sophomore Abi Nelson (CR) and Anna Zember. Panthers up 5-0.

Potomac Falls continued their offensive pressure in the 2nd with the first three batters getting hits: Hanzel with a double to left, Barndt with a bunt single to third and Fulcher RBI single to center which scored Hanzel. Barndt then scored on a sacrifice fly to left by Mahelic sending Fulcher to third. Whitaker then hit a single to right plating Fulcher for the third run of the inning. Panthers up 8-1.

Swall got her second hit of the night to start off the 3rd inning but was held at first with Valentine’s pop to short and Hanzel’s fly to center. She then stole second before Barndt’s hard ground single up the middle. A miscue by the Patriot outfielder allowed Swall to continue home. Fulcher also singled in the 3rd. Score now 9-1.

In the 4th, with one out, Evans and Zembar both singled. Then Nelson hit a fly to right that was misplayed and reached-on-error. Evans and Zembar both scored making it 11-1. Hanzel also singled in that inning for her third hit of the game. With the win, Potomac Falls moved to 5-3 in the Dulles District (7-4 overall).

Game Summary courtesy of Connie Hanzel

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
PVHS	0	1	0	0	0			1	0	3
PFHS	5	3	1	2				11	13	3

Potomac Falls unable to comeback in 7-12 loss to Tuscarora

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Danny

The Panther Varsity softball team battled with the Tuscarora Huskies, scoring first in the 2nd inning, but came up short with 7 runs and 10 hits to Tuscarora’s 12 runs and 16 hits. Leading the Potomac Falls’ offense with multiple hits were Freshman Logan Mehalic (2 for 4, dbl, tpl, rbi, run), Senior Carlyn Hanzel (2 for 4, 3 rbi, run, sf, sb) and Sophomore Kaitlyn Whitaker (2 for 3, run, sac, sb). Other Panthers with hits were Senior Caitie McClay (1 for 2, rbi, sac), Senior Lauren Fulcher (1 for 3, 2 runs, hp, sb), Junior Heather Stewart (1 for 3) and Senior Peyton Valentine (1 for 4).

The 2nd inning saw the Panthers take a 2-0 lead. Whitaker started the inning with a bunt single and stolen base. Heather Stewart executed a perfect push bunt past the charging Huskie 3rd baseman, advancing Whitaker to third. Stewart then took 2nd and Sophomore Jordan Evans reached safely on a sacrifice bunt. The next batter struck out bringing Hanzel to the plate with bases loaded and 2 outs. Hanzel laced a line drive to center on the first pitch, plating Whitaker and Stewart.

The third run came off the speed of Fulcher who scored from 1st following a throwing error: 3-0 Panthers. Tuscarora scored 2 runs, then Hanzel hit a sacrifice fly to left, scoring courtesy runner Sophomore Abi Nelson for their fourth run. In the top of the 5th, Mehalic belted a triple to right; Whitaker reached safely on a sacrifice bunt. Mehalic then scored on McClay’s clutch single to right: Score tied 5-5.

The Huskies put together consecutive scoring innings, hitting off McClay (4.2 in, 1 bb, 6 so, 13 hits) and relief pitcher Whitaker (2.1 in, 1 bb, 3 hits). Then down 9-5 the Panthers tried again to claw their way back by scoring 2 runs in the 6th. Valentine led off with a single. Hanzel hit a hard grounder to the right side of 2nd base but the Huskie fielder made a nice diving stop and threw to 2nd to get Valentine on the 4-6 fielder’s choice. Fulcher then stroked a single to right that bounced off the right-fielder’s glove. Taking advantage of the error, Hanzel scored from 1st and Fulcher legged it out to 3rd. Mehalic then roped a double to right center, scoring Fulcher. But the 7 runs fell short of what they needed and Tuscarora handed the Panthers their third Dulles District loss taking their conference record to 4-3 (6-4 overall).

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
PFHS	0	2	1	1	1	2	0	7	10	3
THS	0	0	2	3	4	3	0	12	16	4

Game Summary courtesy of Connie Hanzel

Potomac Falls wins third consecutive game in the week defeating Heritage 11-3

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Danny

A chilly evening in Leesburg soon improved as the Panther bats heated up the night with 11 hits in a 11-3 victory over the Heritage Pride. Senior Carlyn Hanzel (4 for 5, rbi, run, sb) sparked the offensive fire and adding to the blaze were Senior Peyton Valentine (2 for 4, 2 rbi, 2 run, sb), Senior Caitlin McClay (1 for 4, 2 rbi, w), Senior Lauren Fulcher (1 for 4, w, run, 2 sb), Freshman Logan Mehalic (1 for 2, 2 w, 3 run, 2 sb), Sophomore Tiffany Barndt (1 for 3, 2 w, run) and Freshman Lauren Pollock (1 for 1). The Panthers offense was also fueled by Sophomore Jordan Evans (w, run,rbi), Junior Anna Zembar (2 w, run, sac) and Sophomore Kaitlyn Whitaker (2w, run).

The first inning found the Panthers with the bases loaded and no outs. Hanzel singled up the middle and Barndt hit an infield single to short. Fulcher than worked a walk on four straight balls. But the Pride were able to get the next three batters: Fielder’s choice (1-2), a strike out and a ground out (4-3). Heritage plated three runs in the bottom of the first taking the lead 0-3. In the second inning, with one out, Zembar walked and took 2nd and 3rd on consecutive passed balls. The next batter popped out to 1st. Hanzel then hit a squibbler infield base hit that scored Zembar. Panthers down 1-3.

But in the third, the Panther’s offensive furnace ignited for six runs. Fulcher started off smacking a line drive single to left. Mehalic walked. Fulcher stole 3rd and then scored on a passed ball allowing Mehalic to take 3rd. Whitaker also worked a walk and took 2nd on a defensive indifference. With McClay now up, Mehalic scored on a passed ball and Whitaker went to 3rd on the same pitch. McClay reached-on-error from a hard grounder to 2nd allowing Whitaker to score. Panthers up 4-3. Sophomore Abi Nelson courtesy ran for the pitcher McClay and stole 2nd. Evans walked and Zembar laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt on the 1st base line advancing Nelson to 3rd and Evans to 2nd. With runners in scoring position Valentine came to the plate and laced a solid line drive single to left scoring Neslon and Evans. Valentine went to 2nd on the throw home. Hanzel hit a blistering line drive off the 3rd baseman’s leg into foul territory allowing Valentine to advance to 3rd as Hanzel took 2nd. Barndt grounded out to short scoring Valentine and moving Hanzel to 3rd. Fulcher then hit a hard line drive to left and a Pride fielder made a good catch on her knees for the third out.

In the fourth, Mehalic singled, went to 2nd on a passed ball and went to 3rd on Whitaker’s grounder to short (6-3). McClay walked with Nelson again running for her. Nelson took 2nd resulting in runners on 2nd and 3rd. Evans hit a hard grounder to short (6-3) scoring Mehalic and leaving Nelson on 3rd.

The final runs came in the fifth. Hanzel lined a single to center with Barndt up next. Hanzel stole 2nd and then advanced to 3rd on a passed ball. Barndt walked but was caught stealing 2nd. With Mehalic up, Hanzel scored on a passed ball and Mehalic walked. Whitaker then also walked. Mehalic took 3rd on a wild pitch and Whitaker took 2nd. McClay hit a hard grounder to the right side and beat out the throw for an infield single as Mehalic scored. 11-3 Panthers.

Potomac Falls also had some defensive gems including two double plays: First, Hanzel dropped back and caught a deep line drive in center and threw to shortstop Whitaker who fired to 1st baseman Mehalic to catch the runner (8-6-3). Second, with a runner at 1st, McClay caught a line drive and fired back to Pollock at 1st (1-3). Hanzel had three catches in center, all of them off the bat of #12 Ford of the Pride, and she threw a runner out at home (8-2).

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
PFHS	0	1	6	2	2	0	0	11	11	3
HHS	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	8	1

Game Summary courtesy of Connie Hanzel

Panthers put together second shutout of the week in 7-0 victory over Freedom

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Danny

Potomac Falls Varsity softball once again put the bats and defense to work to add another game in the win column. Senior Caitie MCClay pitched a terrific game allowing only one hit (7th inning) with 5 strike outs and no walks. MCClay has been both confident and consistent in her pitching. In the last 14 innings, facing 46 batters, McClay has given up only 2 hits and no walks.

The Panthers had 7 hits and were led offensively by Senior Lauren Fulcher (2 for 4, dbl, rbi, run), Sophomore Kaitlyn Whitaker (2 for 3, 2 rbi, 2 run, 2 sb), Freshman Logan Mehalic (2 for 3, 2 rbi, run) and Senior Carlyn Hanzel (1 for 3, rbi, run). Sophomore Tiffany Barndt (2 w, run) and Senior Peyton Valentine (w, sac, run) also contributed to the scoring effort.

Potomac Falls jumped out on top early scoring 3 runs in the first inning. With one out, Barndt worked a walk. Fulcher hit a line drive single to right field advancing Barndt to third. Hanzel then hit a single to left scoring Barndt. Fulcher was thrown out at third and Hanzel took second on the throw. Mehalic then lined a single to center scoring Hanzel from second and allowing Mehalic to take second on the throw home. Whitaker then followed with the fourth hit in a row, a hard ground ball single to left, plating Mehalic from second. The next batter popped out to second to end the inning. Panthers up 3-0.

The next scoring opportunity came in the 3rd. Fulcher blasted a double to left center field. The next batter, Hanzel, lined out to second base leaving Fulcher held-up at 2nd. Then Whitker hit a fly ball to the left center gap scoring Fulcher and advancing herself to 2nd on the throw home. Mehalic reached first on a hard ground ball error by the 2nd baseman allowing Whitaker to cross the plate for the second run of the inning. Panthers up 5-0.

In the fourth, Valentine and Barndt both worked walks, and Fulcher followed with a grounder to second (4-3) with Valentine scoring. In the fifth Whitaker reached first on an error, took second on a passed ball, then stole third. Mehalic hit a hard grounder up the middle allowing Whitaker to score the Panther’s 7th run.

In the bottom of the 7th McClay got the first batter to strike out looking. The next batter, Whitaker, then singled to left field for the Eagles’ only hit of the game. McClay got the next two batters to ground out, stranding Whitaker at second. Panthers win 7-0!

Game Summary courtesy of Connie Hanzel

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
FHS	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	2
PFHS	3	0	2	1	1	0		7	7	1

Potomac Falls shuts out Loudoun Valley 3-0… McClay: One pitch away from a perfect game!

Posted on April 1, 2012 by Danny

Potomac Falls started the week off with a decisive victory over the Loudoun Valley Vikings. The Panthers had 12 hits with Junior Anna Zembar (2 for 4), Sophomore Tiffany Barndt (2 for 4, run), Sophomore Kaitlyn Whitaker (2 for 3, run) and Freshman Logan Mehalic (2 for 3, rbi) leading the way with two hits apiece. Also contributing with hits were Senior Lauren Fulcher (1 for 4), Senior Carlyn Hanzel (1 for 3, run, hp), Senior Peyton Valentine (1 for 3) and Freshman Lauren Pollock (1 for 3, rbi).

The Panthers scored two runs in the 3rd inning. Barndt led the inning with a single up the middle followed by Hanzel getting hit by a pitch. Then, with one out, Mehalic singled to right field, scoring Barndt and advancing Hanzel to third. Pollock followed with a single up the middle. Hanzel scored and Mehalic was thrown out at the plate trying to score.

The final run came in the 6th. Valentine singled to left field. Whitaker safely bunted for a hit. Valentine continued to third on the play, seeing that third base was not covered, but the Vikings were able to tag her out at the bag. Zembar singled to right field then Barndt grounded out, advancing the runners to second and third. Hanzel then checked on a high inside pitch that hit off her bat down the third base line and under the fielder’s glove scoring Whitaker from third.

Senior Caitie McClay had a stellar performance on the mound as she took on the Vikings. McClay kept the batters off balance with 6 strikeouts, no walks and no runs and kept them to no hits through six innings. The lead-off batter, Larson, got the only hit of the game in the top of the 7th inning. McClay stayed focused and got the next two batters to ground out and finished the game with a strike out. The Panther defense supported McClay, playing error free ball.

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	R	H	E
LVHS	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1
PFHS	0	0	2	0	0	1		3	12	0

Game Summary courtesy of Connie Hanzel