Hanson throws two-hit shutout as TAD Lady Cyclones roll over Panthers 10-0
Published 11:11 am Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Jr. Lady Cyclones shortstop Mallory Perkins watches the ball into her glove during third-inning play.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent TAD pitcher Ava Hanson fires a strike across the plate to record another strikeout. She finished the day with nine strikeouts.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Second baseman Natalie Witten tosses the ball to first to record an out in the fourth inning.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Right fielder Rilee Minton reaches up to grab a pop-fly for the out.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent After stealing third, Cambrie Ingram pops up and chats with coach Taylor Shanks.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent TAD Lady Cyclones' Gracie Shepherd draws ball four for her third walk of the day.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Jr. Lady Cyclones catcher Emilee Whitson holds the pitch and awaits the called strike.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent The Jr. Lady Cyclones take a 10-0 win over the Church Hill Panthers and improve to 10-4 on the season.
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By Ron Marvel
Star Correspondent
Regardless of level, solid pitching, strong defense and timely hitting is a formula to win ballgames; such was the case Monday night as the Jr. Lady Cyclones had little trouble with the Lady Panthers from Church Hill.
The Cyclones jumped on the board in the first inning as they showed patience at the plate, drawing a couple of walks to send home Kami Dugger and take an early 1-0 lead. Ava Hanson, who was in control on the mound, sent the Lady Panthers down in order on three strikeouts in the top of the second. Despite hitting the ball well, the Cyclones were kept scoreless in their half of the second.
The Panthers had a little more luck in the top of the third, getting runners at first and second, but Cyclones shortstop Mallory Perkins had little trouble with a pop fly and a ground ball to end the inning.
Looking to add some runs in the bottom of the third, Dugger drew a walk on a 3-2 count to plate Emilee Whitson. Cambrie Ingram then unloaded the bases with a double down the third-base line to make it 5-0 Cyclones — and they were just getting started. H. Richardson was hit by a pitch, and Mallory Perkins drew a walk to load the bases again. Whitson then ripped a double to left to clear the bases once more and make the score 8-0.
Hanson continued to pitch on point, recording a couple more strikeouts in the top of the fourth inning. The Jr. Lady Cyclones added a couple more runs in the bottom of the fourth, triggered by base hits from A. Holt and C. Ingram. The strategy of getting baserunners on and creating pressure on another team’s defense seems to be one that works well for the Jr. Lady Cyclones.
“They are hitting the seams off the ball right now. Every girl is seeing the ball well and moving runners around the bases. I just need them to stay hot and remain confident,” head coach Taylor Shanks shared.
Hanson put an exclamation point on her performance by striking out the side in the top of the fifth inning to preserve the shutout. She finished the night allowing just two hits and recording nine strikeouts while walking only one. Ingram led the way at the plate with two hits and three RBIs, while E. Whitson added a base hit and three RBIs of her own.
