COURT HOUSE – The Middle Township High School Lady Panthers softball team honored strikeout record holder Carie VanArtsdalen at their home opener March 31 at the Boyd Street fields.
VanArtsdalen, of the Class of 1998, finished her high school softball career with 759 strikeouts. She threw out the ceremonial first pitch to start the game.
About a half-dozen softball alumnae showed up for the game. Freshman Andrea Glassford, granddaughter of head coach Chuck Dougherty, sang the National Anthem.
The starting lineup for the game was Dakota Laughlin (No. 12), shortstop; Elle Curvan (25), right field; Katie Creamer (22), pitcher; Megan Turner (19), first base; Payton DeVecchis (11), third base; Victoria Atwood (23), catcher; Juliet Thompson (21), center field; K.J. Schaffer (8), left field, and Grace Hall (6), second base. Subs included Charlotte Romberger (26) at first base and Samantha Schaffer (5) at second base.
The Lady Panthers, hoping to improve on a 17-9 record last year, won their season opener against Buena by a score of 14-2 but dropped the home opener against Hammonton, 8-3.
Contact the reporter, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or 609-886-8600, ext. 128.
