OBSERVER Staff Report

GOWANDA — The Gowanda Lady Panthers started their season on the right foot as they beat Forestville, 14-6, in a Section VI non-league softball game at Gowanda High School on Wednesday. Gowanda’s lineup got hot as they were able to score a run in each inning.

Forestville got on the board in the first inning, but Gowanda was able to answer. It wasn’t until the bottom of the second inning, however, that things started to open up.

“It was pretty tight at the beginning,” said Gowanda head coach Tyler Thompson. “Going into the second inning we were able to get our bat on the ball.”

The Lady Panthers’ explosive offense was led by Makenzie Carroll, who went 4-5 with two RBIs and scored three runs. Zoey Kota went 2-4 with a triple and five RBIs and Gao:wisa:s Stevens added another two runs while going 3-5. The Lady Panthers also had three more girls hit a double, adding to their 16 hit total on an explosive opening day.

“Our offense was the difference,” said Coach Thompson. “We scored in every inning. We had some timely base hits and were aggressive base running.”

Zoey Kota was in the circle for the win. Kota threw all seven innings for the Lady Panthers, giving up three earned runs on eight hits and three walks, while punching out seven with a strikeout.

The Lady Hornets’ offense was propelled by Phoebe Kingsfield who went 2-3 and scored two runs. Clare Kingsfield added a triple and an RBI and Kaitlyn Alguire hit a double with an RBI.

Alguire was in the circle for Forestville, giving up 10 earned runs through seven innings on 16 hits and seven walks. Alguire also cashed in nine strikeouts.

“It’s always great to start with a win,” said Coach Thompson. “A win early in the season is great for a young team like this, the girls have newfound confidence.”

Gowanda (1-0) is back on the diamond today at home as they take on Brocton.

Forestville (0-1) will look to get their first win next Wednesday when they host Sherman.