The Langley High girls’ varsity softball team started their 2012 spring season with a home game versus the Robinson Secondary Rams on March 16. The Saxons had a strong game at the plate on way to a 16-4 victory.
Langley set the non-district game’s tone by getting three home runs in each of the first three innings – a two-run homer by senior Julia Weeks in the first inning; a solo shot by junior Ashley Panetta, the first homer of her Langley career, in the second inning; and a two-run blast by sophomore Emily Templin, also her first career four-bagger, in the third inning.
Saxon singles in the win came from freshman Melanie Dronfield, freshman Carina Sturm, freshman Maggie Natal, sophomore Kaitryn Evans and senior Hope Albers. Senior Lauren Mensing and junior Ashley Panetta both hit doubles.
Langley’s defense played a solid game behind freshman pitcher Haley Falkenberry, who made her high school debut on the mound. Falkenberry worked two strong innings before senior Jenna came in and pitched well the remainder of the game.
Great play in the outfield came from center fielder Carina Strum and right fielder Lauren Mensing, who both made stellar gems. The Saxons’ infield was well managed by second baseman Kaitryn Evans, shortstop Maggie Natal and first baseman Emily Templin.
However, the play of the night was the calm, cool
reaction of third baseman Julia Weeks, who stopped a mad grounder without a flinch before throwing the ball to first for the put-out tag.
Langley, in all, collected 16 hits. The game was halted in the middle of the fifth inning.
Langley was scheduled to travel to Marshall for a Liberty District game on Tuesday, March 20 of this week. This Friday night at 6:30, the Saxons will host district opponent Fairfax.