Four Liberty County senior softball players were honored just before taking the field Monday to host South Effingham in the final home game of the regular season.
The Lady Panthers held the Mustangs to only one run until the sixth inning, when the visitors scored four runs in the last two innings to win, 5-0.
Before the game, the coaching staff, family members and Lady Panther fans honored seniors Victoria Anthony, Meagan Folker, Alyssa Dennis and Taensa Rariden.
“We will miss all of our seniors,” Lady Panther softball coach Jerome Standard said. “All four of them have had an impact on this program. There is no doubt that with their work ethic, success is going to follow them wherever they are and whatever they do.”
Solid defensive plays kept the Mustangs from running up the score early in the game. Jeresha Roberson caught nearly every ball hit to right field and Kathryn Carter converted a double play at second and the infield covered the bunt.
While the offense wasn’t able to score any runs, the Panthers were getting hits against solid South Effingham pitching.
“We are starting to play up to our potential,” Standard said. “Our bats are starting to improve, and fielding continues to be our strong trait.”
On Saturday, Liberty made up two games that were rained out earlier this year at the Tattnall County Warriors Blast tournament.
The Lady Panthers lost to Brooklet, 12-2. Freshman Kaleigh Fisher had one hit and one RBI for Liberty. Sophomore Rachel Smith also had an RBI. On the mound, Fisher struck out four, walked one and allowed 12 runs.
The Lady Panthers then lost to Tattnall County, 10-2 in game two. Anthony had three hits with two RBIs and a double. Smith had three hits, including a double. Fisher pitched all five innings, striking out three, walking five and allowing five hits.
Liberty was scheduled to play Tuesday at Wayne County. Results will be in Friday’s Coastal Courier.