OVERLAND PARK — Entering the NJCAA Region VI Softball Tournament as the No. 2 seed, the Neosho County Panthers are now battling for their postseason lives after getting upset in the first round.
Neosho County was upset by Allen, 6-5, in the first round before run-ruling Fort Scott, 11-0, in the first game of the loser’s bracket.
In Tuesday night’s loss to Allen, the Panthers took a 4-3 lead into the sixth frame.
A three-run homer from Camrynn Yardley of Allen in the top of the sixth flipped the script.
“We came in a little scared,” Neosho County interim coach Mateighia Tanner said. “We didn’t show up. We changed our approach at the plate and our bats couldn’t get going. We got the bases loaded twice and we pushed one run across. We fought, but we didn’t show up to play out of the gate.”
Eleanor Rieck, who relieved Panthers starter Makenzi Escoe in the sixth, was charged with the loss. Rieck recorded just out while allowing the three-run bomb.
“She left the ball a little too high,” Tanner said. “Allen’s top of the lineup is tough and you can’t leave balls down the middle or high. Not against a good team.”
While Neosho County tallied nine hits, a double from Emma West was the Panthers’ lone extra-base hit.
“We were too antsy,” Tanner said. “Chasing pitches isn’t our gameplan. We can’t change who we are. We just have to stick to what we know.”
Going to the backside of the double-elimination tournament, Neosho County dominated Fort Scott on Wednesday.
“We showed up and played relaxed and free,” Tanner said. “We played together. Our energy from the dugout was insane. That’s what we preached about. We play our best softball when we’re together.”
Brinly Bancroft notched three RBIs out of the leadoff spot while also doubling.
“She continues to lead — vocally and by example,” Tanner said. “Her game speaks for itself. She wants to stay here all week and she’s putting her money where her mouth is.”
Annsleigh Morris had three hits and scored two runs for the Panthers.
Kamri Naff won her 15th game of the season, pitching all five innings while allowing just three hits and striking out three.
“Kamri came out and pitched lights out for us. She produces groundouts and pop flies,” Tanner said. “We’ll keep pitching as a staff. It’ll be whoever’s day when they’re out there.”
Up next
Neosho County played its next game on the back side of the bracket on Thursday after press time.
The winner of the tournament receives an automatic bid to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament. If the Panthers make the championship round of regionals on Saturday, they’ll be among the top contenders in the country to earn an at-large bid.
“We’ve faced so much adversity all season long,” Tanner said. “We’re preaching that we can get through anything. We continue to get up. So we’ll take it one game at a time.”
