Lady Panthers blank Hayfork for third straight crown

The Maxwell High softball team put the icing on their 21-1 season cake Saturday, clinching the Division VI Championship against Hayfork with a dominant 14-0 victory in front of the home crowd.

Things started off smoothly for the Panthers, who sent the Timberjacks down in order in the first inning.

Maxwell then grabbed the early lead in the bottom half when Andi Robledo scored on an error to make it 1-0. The error would be the first of many for Hayfork during the afternoon, which saw the visiting team struggle to contain the Panthers' quick reflexes and speed.

The Panthers made their move in the second, essentially putting the game out of reach with eight runs in the frame. Ashley Azevedo's two-bagger drove in a pair of runs, and her four RBI on the day led the team.

Maxwell tacked on four more runs in the third, with Azevedo driving in two more and Shelen Boyes and Jenna Powell each driving in one.

The momentum remained in the closed claw of the Panthers, as their speed and cool heads allowed them to out-play the Timberjacks.

Seniors Robledo and Alexz Miller each had kind words for their team and their last game, with Robledo telling her teammates as they gathered around her, "This was such a memorable season for me. Thank you all for making this such an unbelievable season and time for me." She then added with a laugh, "You're all savages!"

Miller, daughter of Maxwell coach Shawn Miller was equally happy, if not already sentimental of the just finished season saying, "We came out on this field at our first practice and all made the decision that we would be here, at this championship game, and we are. And we won. As a senior, and also to play with my dad, with this team...it means so much to me."

Robledo's four hits paced the Panthers' 15-hit attack, with Boyes, Powell, Wells and Azevedo providing a pair apiece.

Allison Costa pitched a masterful game from the circle, holding the Timberjacks to a miserly two hits, while striking out four and not issuing a walk.

Coach Miller had a few, simple and kind words to sum up his girls and their season's conclusion saying, "They all played so well. I am very proud of them."

The championship was the third-straight for the Lady Panthers.

CONTACT Emily Saint-Evens at 824-7990 or esaintevens@tcnpress.com