By Marissa VanWingen, The Times-Citizen

Clermont, FL – After splitting the final two games on their road trip, Ellsworth Community College softball left Florida going .500 and are now 9-8 on the season.

In another offensive battle, the Panthers defeated SUNY Niagara 18-10. ECC built a 5-0 lead after the opening inning and then led 9-3 after three. Another big frame (six in the fourth) allowed the Panthers to hold off the surging Thunder Wolves – who scored seven in the fifth. 

ECC was able to do most of their damage with the help of base on balls. They had eight hits, two extra base knocks, and 12 walks in the win. Ella Garstang and Taryn Petty both had two hits in the contest. Kendra Rohner was 1-2 but her one was a home run as she also tallied six RBI. The other extra base hit was a double by Julissia Arias.

Three threw for the Panthers with Peytin Clemensen getting the win. She went four innings, allowed four hits, three runs, walked two and fanned four. Annabelle Nessa and Kaitlyn Mick each threw in the final frame to get ECC out with the win.

Triton scored five runs in the opening frame and then one more in the second to hold off for the 6-5 win. The Panthers steadily came back and cut into the deficit in the third and then were one run away from tying the contest in the fifth. ECC outhit the Trojans 11-6 and they both had six walks. The biggest difference came with a three run homer but Alanis Ortega.

At the dish, Petty was 3-5 with an RBI. Emmalee Bell was 2-3 with two RBI and a double. Angelica Agro threw well with nine strikeouts, but all six of the runs were earned.

The Panthers returned to Iowa and are now on spring break this week. They have their home opener with Central Community College - Columbus on Thursday, March 27.

For more Times-Citizen coverage of Ellsworth athletics: https://www.timescitizen.com/sports/ecc