BREAKING NEWS: Benton bounces back to defeat Vilonia 11-1

March 15, 2011

Benton senior Jessica Smith tries to tag out a Bryant runner during a game earlier this season. The Lady Panthers defeated Vilonia 11-1 Tuesday night as Smith pitched all five innings. MATT BURKS/Courier

BENTON — During Monday's practice, the Benton Lady Panthers worked exclusively on getting runners in. In their two losses in the Bootsie Gordon Tournament, Benton left 11 players on base.

"We sat down and looked at the games we won and the games we lost," coach Eric Ryan said. "I know one of things we have been doing is leaving runners on base.
"We got to do whatever it takes to get runners in. It doesn't if it is a bunt, a push or hitting a ground ball."

In Tuesday's game against Vilonia, the hard work paid off as the Lady Panthers won 11-1 in five innings, leaving just four runners on for the whole game.

Benton scored five runs in the first, a run in the second and a five runs in the fourth to knock off Vilonia, who had won the Bootsie Gordon Tournament Saturday with a 5-2 win over Lake Hamilton.

The game was scheduled to be play at Vilonia, but inclement weather forced it to be moved to Benton.

For the full game story, see Wednesday's edition of the Courier.