Monday’s game versus Cumby was a great introduction to the 2025-26 Lady Panthers softball team. Alba-Golden took the first game of a double-header 19-1 and the second 11-0.  

There are three things to note about this years’ Lady Panthers: fireballer Adie Smith is back and looks even stronger than her break-out year, last season; the Lady Panthers can put the bat on the ball; and they shape up nicely in the field. 

It is not often that a softball game starts with an inside-the-park home run. With one out and one on, Joecey Lewers sent a full-count pitch to the corner in left field. She easily beat the throw to the plate after the ball rattled around in the corner.  

Two hitters later, with two away and two on, Lilly Thorn stepped in and stroked a ball into the right-field corner.  She sprinted round the bases, notching the second inside-the-park home run of the inning.

The Lady Panthers went on to record 14 base hits, which included seven for extra bases.

The Alba-Golden fielders were well-rested as Adie Smith tossed five innings, giving up one hit, issuing three free passes and striking out 11.

Smith is a joy to watch pitch. She is remarkably consistent and has the velocity to challenge any hitter. 

The Lady Panther field lineup is anchored by catcher Averi Stevenson. Faith Graham is at first, Sadie Wright at second and Joecey Lewers at third. Jayla Sitar roams at shortstop. Abby Thompson, Piper Hallman and Lilly Thorn make an able outfielding cast, in left field, center field and right field, respectively.

It was Thompson who ended the game in spectacular fashion. Cumby had a runner on third with two away. The batter hit a hard liner through the 5-6 infield gap. Thompson fielded the ball on the run and gunned a long throw – a perfect throw – to the plate. Stevenson caught the shoulder-high throw and made an easy tag on the runner for the final out. 

While it can be said that Thompson missed her cut-off, when a throw from the outfield nicks a runner trying to score from third base, such things can be overlooked. It was an exhilarating way to finish the game.

The Lady Panthers are 3-1 in district play. The next chance to catch them in action at home is Friday, March 20 as they host Hawkins.