Four years ago, Starr’s Mill was the home of star pitcher Lilli Backes, who was able to lead Panther softball to its first state championship in school history. Since then, the Panthers have been training 10th grader Riley Hill as their main pitcher. This year, the Panthers have found themselves with four pitchers.
“Being the only pitcher last season was a lot of pressure, especially being a freshman, and that can be really overwhelming,” Hill said, “Even if you feel you’re struggling, you always know there’s someone back there behind you that can help.”
Since winning the state championship, head coach Peyton Dean has had to focus on rebuilding the team. Senior Ella Bissonnette has been able to watch the team’s growth and development the last four years.
“[Two years ago], when we played McIntosh, they blew us out of the water,” Bissonnette said. “Now look at us, almost run-ruling them…It’s great to see us come together and play to our strengths.”
In 2023, McIntosh defeated Starr’s Mill by a combined score of 30-0 across two games. Last year, the teams split their two games with the Panthers winning the first game 7-6 and the Chiefs winning the second 9-3.
Last week’s victory demonstrated just how far the Panthers have come the last few years with Starr’s Mill defeating McIntosh 13-7.
In the first inning the Panthers scored two runs, with the first runner being freshman Allie McDowell, a former player for McIntosh’s softball team.
“I just played the same game I’ve always played and with the support of my teammates,” McDowell said. “It’s better than ever.”
In the second inning, McIntosh scored their first run to close the gap. Outfielding from sophomore centerfielder Haylee Flassig helped prevent McIntosh from allowing the Chiefs to score three more.
The Starr’s Mill offense exploded in the bottom of the second inning as the team scored seven more runs, increasing the lead to 9-1.
A strong fifth inning by McIntosh narrowed the Panther lead to 11-7, but the Chiefs would not score after that. Starr’s Mill added two more runs to protect the win, 13-7.
“They’re starting to do the little things right, and they’re understanding that side of the game,” head coach Peyton Dean said. “Big things are happening because of it.”
Starr’s Mill hosted Callaway on August 12 and won 16-1. The Panthers are now 5-2 overall to begin the season.