Friday’s game proved to be a thrilling battle in the circle as the Delavan Panthers narrowly defeated the Blue Ridge Knights 3-2 in a well-fought contest that went down to the wire.

Delavan’s star pitcher Lainey Klokkenga, number 9, delivered a dominant performance on the mound, striking out an incredible 17 batters while allowing only two hits, two runs, and one walk over seven innings of work. Her commanding presence kept Blue Ridge hitters at bay and set the stage for the Panthers' hard-fought victory.

Blue Ridge took an early lead in the top of the first inning with strong at-bats from Lillian Enger, number 6, who doubled down the right-field line, and Karlee Fenton, number 20, whose single brought home two runs.

The Panthers roared back in the bottom of the fifth inning to tie the game. Addi Fisher, number 2, sparked the rally with an RBI double, followed by Jayley Fisher’s, number 12, clutch single, which brought home another run to even the score at 2-2.

Offensively, the Panthers were led by the dynamic duo of Addi and Jayley Fisher, who drove in a run each to fuel the comeback. And Delavan sealed the win when Miley Harper, number 13, slammed a triple to right field, and advanced to home on a passed ball at the plate, securing the winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning.