Purdue North Central softball players Val Minyard and Erin Foust recently were named to various All-Conference teams for the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference. Minyard was named to the First Team while Foust earned Honorable Mention honors.

Minyard, a senior catcher from Crown Point , IN led the team in average, (.401), RBI's (36), hits (59 for 147), doubles, (11), homeruns (2), total bases (76), slugging percentage (.517) and on-base-percentage (.416). She started all 44 games and fielded an impressive .995 with just one error in 217 chances.

Foust, a sophomore second baseman from South Bend , IN was second on the team in hitting at .356. She was also second in doubles (8), hits (52 for 146), total bases (64), slugging percentage (.438), on-base-percentage (.394) and runs scored (24). Foust also was spectacular in the field, committing just four errors in 166 chances (.975).

The Panthers, coached by Jeff Boardman, set the school wins record in 2008 for the second straight season at 25-19 after a 21-17 record in 2007.

The Purdue North Central softball team concluded their season with a non-conference split verses the University St. Francis (IN) Sunday afternoon in Michigan City.

The Panthers ended their season 25-19 overall and 8-10 in conference play. The 25 wins established a new program record for victories in a season, leapfrogging last year's total of 21.

The Panthers won game one 3-2 behind the pitching of Bethany Toyias. Toyias allowed both runs on six hits and two walks while striking out three in the complete game effort.

The Panthers won the game in the bottom of the seventh after St. Francis rallied for two runs in the top of the seventh inning to tie the game.

Val Minyard drove in Jessica Brannagan with the game-winning hit after Brannagan had reached on a double.

Six different players had the Panthers' six hits with Betsy Maher adding a double and Erin Foust a triple.

St. Francis won the second game 1-0 as PNC managed just five hits and wasted a strong pitching performance from Alissa Whitaker. Whitaker allowed the one run on six hits and a walk while striking out 11.

Five different players had singles for PNC. Their scoring opportunities were limited as St. Francis didn't allow any walks or commit any errors.

The PNC softball team split their final two CCAC contests of the year verses Cardinal Stritch University Saturday afternoon in Milwaukee . The Panthers are now 24-18 overall and finished 8-10 in conference play.

PNC dropped the first game 3-2 in 10 innings despite the strong pitching of Bethany Toyias. Toyias gave up all three runs (two earned) on eight hits and one walk while striking out six in going the distance (9.1 innings).

Unfortunately, the Wolves pitcher was even better, allowing just two runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out 15 in 10 innings.

Val Minyard (homerun, RBI) and Betsy Maher (RBI) led the Panthers with two hits apiece and Jessica Brannagan added a double.

In game two PNC rebounded for a 5-1 victory behind the outstanding effort of pitcher Alissa Whitaker. Whitaker allowed one run on five hits and a walk while striking out 12 in the complete game performance.

The Panthers collected 14 hits overall and were led by Brannagan, Stephanie Zaharias, Danielle Burdine and Anna Stephens (double) with two hits each. Erin Foust added a double for PNC.

The Panthers will conclude their season tomorrow at home with a non-conference doubleheader verses St. Francis (IN) at 12 p.m.

The Purdue North Central softball team swept a doubleheader from Mount Mary College Friday afternoon in Milwaukee, establishing a new program record for wins in a season.

The Panthers, now 23-17 overall, broke last year's win total when they finished 21-17.

PNC won the first game after five innings due to the eight-run rule by the score of 9-0 in a combined perfect game by Alissa Whitaker and Kate Golden. Whitaker struck out eight in four innings of work and Golden added two more strikeouts in one inning. Mount Mary did not have one batter reach base all game.

The Panthers pounded out 13 hits and jumped out to a 5-0 lead after one inning, adding one run in the third and three in the fifth.

Four different players had two hits for PNC including Jessica Brannagan, Betsy Maher, Alyssa Duncan (double), and Danielle Burdine. Amazingly, eight different players collected one RBI for PNC.

The second game was also completely controlled by the Panthers as they knocked out 21 hits and gave up just two in the 12-0, five inning win. PNC scored six runs each in the first two innings in cruising to the easy victory.

Jessica Frucci led the Panthers with four hits (two doubles) and three RBI while Val Minyard added three hits (double) and four RBI. Erin Foust and Maher (triple, two RBI) each had three hits and Stephanie Zaharias, Melissa Carson (double, two RBI) and Tracy Markwell added two apiece.

Markwell gave up one hit and a walk while striking out two in four innings of work. Golden gave up one hit and struck out two in the final inning.

The Panthers play again tomorrow when they take on Cardinal Stritch in a CCAC doubleheader at 12 p.m. in Milwaukee.

The PNC softball team swept a doubleheader from Huntington University Tuesday afternoon in Huntington, IN.

The Panthers (21-17, 7-9) won the first game 5-4, scoring two runs in the top of the seventh inning to overcome a 4-3 deficit. The 21 wins ties the school record for most wins in program history, set in 2007.

Bethany Toyias started for the Panthers and gave up all four runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out five. Alissa Whitaker relieved in the seventh inning and gave up just one hit.

PNC knocked out 10 hits and were led by Stephanie Zaharias (triple) and Val Minyard (two RBI) with two hits each. Alyssa Duncan and Tracy Markwell added doubles for the Panthers while Erin Foust contributed an RBI.

In game two the Panthers jumped out to a 4-2 lead after one inning and coasted to an 8-4 victory.

Markwell started and gave up four runs on five hits and two walks in 2.1 innings. Whitaker finished the game for the Panthers and allowed just two hits while striking out four in 4.2 innings.

The Panthers had a great offensive game as they pounded out 14 hits, including three by Jessica Brannagan (two doubles). Foust (double), Betsy Maher, Alyssa Duncan (double and triple), and Jessica Frucci all had two hits while Minyard led PNC with two RBI.

The Panthers play again on Friday when they take on Mt. Mary in Milwaukee in a non-conference doubleheader starting at 3 p.m.

The Purdue North Central softball team split a doubleheader verses Olivet Nazarene University Thursday afternoon in Michigan City. The Panthers won the first game 2-1 before dropping the nightcap 8-0 in five innings. PNC is now 19-17 overall and 7-9 in conference play while the Tigers moved to 37-5 and 14-1.

Olivet entered the games ranked 14th in the country and number one in Region VII. The Panthers 19 wins are the second most in the program's history. Last year PNC finished 21-17 overall and 10-8 in the CCAC.

In game one Jessica Brannagan and Stephanie Zaharias scored PNC's only runs in the first inning and they held up. The Tigers scored their lone run in the third inning.

Brannagan reached on a walk while Zaharias singled to the left side. Brannagan scored on a single by Val Minyard and Zaharias scored on a ground out by Betsy Maher. PNC had just three hits in the game but they came at the right time.

Bethany Toyias earned the complete game win for the Panthers, allowing one run on seven hits with one walk and three strikeouts.

The Panthers fell short in the second game falling 8-0 in 5 innings. The game was tied through two innings before the Tigers scored two runs in the third and finished the game with six in the fifth.

Foust led the way with 2 singles and Minyard added a double for PNC who managed just three hits compared to 14 for the Tigers.

Toyias (11-6) started the game and allowed six runs on 10 hits in four innings of work. Alissa Whitaker came on in relief and allowed two runs on four hits in one inning.

The Panthers are scheduled to play again on Tuesday when they host Marian College (IN) in a doubleheader at 3 p.m.

The Purdue North Central softball team lost to visiting Robert Morris College 4-2 and 11-3 Wednesday afternoon at Patriot Park in Michigan City .

The Panthers moved to 18-16 overall and 6-8 in conference play while Robert Morris improved to 19-13 and 7-3.

In game one the Panthers were led offensively by Stephanie Zaharias with two hits and an RBI. Val Minyard contributed a double and Erin Foust added the other RBI for the Panthers who had seven hits overall.

Robert Morris collected 11 hits overall while scoring three runs in the second and one in the fifth to take control of the game. The Panthers responded with two runs in the sixth but Robert Morris' pitcher struck out nine PNC batters to end scoring opportunities.

In game two the Panthers had seven more hits with Betsy Maher leading the way with three hits and two RBI.  However, Robert Morris responded with 15 hits to win in five innings by the eight run rule. The Eagles scored two runs in the first inning, six in the second and three in the third while the Panthers pushed across two in the third and one in the fifth.

The Panthers will be back in action Thursday when they play host to conference leading and 14th ranked Olivet Nazarene in a doubleheader. Game time is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.

The Purdue North Central softball team dropped a doubleheader to Judson University Monday evening in Elgin, IL . The Panthers fell to 18-14 overall and 6-6 in the CCAC while Judson improved to 18-15 and 9-6.

In game one the Eagles won 9-1 in six innings. Both teams had 10 hits but Judson took advantage of five walks by three PNC pitchers to pick up the victory.

The game was scoreless through two innings but Judson scored three runs in the third inning, one in the fourth, three more in the fifth and two in the sixth. The Panthers scored their only run in the fourth inning.

Offensively, Val Minyard, Erin Foust, Alyssa Duncan and Melissa Carson all had two hits, with Carson hitting a homerun.

In game two the Panthers out-hit Judson nine to eight but couldn't string them together as they fell 5-3. Minyard and Duncan led the way with two hits apiece with Duncan collecting her first collegiate homerun.

Bethany Toyias went the distance on the mound for PNC, striking out five and walking 2.

The Panthers will play again on Wednesday when they host Robert Morris College in another CCAC doubleheader at 4 p.m.

The Purdue North Central softball team moved to 18-12 overall and 6-4 in conference play following a doubleheader sweep over Calumet College of St. Joseph Wednesday afternoon in Whiting. The Crimson Wave fell to 12-17 and 2-11.

The Panthers won the first game 8-1 behind the strong pitching of Alissa Whitaker. Whitaker went the distance, allowing two hits and a walk while striking out 11.

Jessica Frucci and Val Minyard led the offense with two hits apiece while Alyssa Duncan added a double.

The Panthers scored two runs in the second inning, four in the third and one each in the fourth and sixth innings. Overall, the Panthers had 8 hits and drew 5 walks.

In game two the Panthers won 4-0 behind the strong pitching of Bethany Toyias. Toyias also went the distance and allowed two hits and two walks while striking out five.

PNC had nine hits with Minyard and Erin Foust collecting two, with Foust picking up a triple. Melissa Carson added a single and a double while Betsy Maher contributed a double. The Panthers scored two runs each in the fourth and seventh innings.

The Panthers will travel to Iowa Wesleyan on Thursday to play seven games in a weekend tournament.

The Purdue North Central softball team split a non-conference doubleheader with Taylor University in Upland, IN on Monday.

PNC won the first game 6-1 in nine innings after breaking a 1-1 tie by exploding for five runs in the top of the ninth inning.

Alissa Whitaker started for the Panthers and gave up one run on five hits and a walk while striking out one in four innings. Bethany Toyias completed the game for PNC and gave up just three hits while striking out two in five innings.

The Panthers had 11 hits overall with six coming in the final inning. Jessica Brannagan led PNC with three hits and two RBI while Erin Foust and Alyssa Duncan added two hits apiece.

In game two the Panthers fell 4-2 as they managed just two hits overall, one each by Duncan and Val Minyard. Melissa Carson and Minyard each had an RBI for the Panthers.

Despite the offensive struggles, the Panthers trailed just 3-2 before Taylor added an insurance run in the sixth inning.

Tracy Markwell started for the Panthers and gave up two runs on four hits without recording an out. Kate Golden pitched six strong innings in relief, giving up two more runs on four hits and a walk while striking out one.

PNC plays again on Wednesday when they take on Calumet College of St. Joseph in a CCAC doubleheader at 3 p.m. in Whiting, IN.

The Purdue North Central softball team split a non-conference doubleheader with visiting Franklin College Saturday afternoon in Michigan City.

The Panthers won game one 3-1 behind the strong pitching of Alissa Whitaker. She allowed the one run on just three hits and a walk while striking out seven in the complete game effort.

Jessica Frucci led the Panthers eight-hit attack with two hits, including a double, and two RBI. Melissa Carson picked up the other RBI and Erin Foust contributed a double.

The Panthers scored one run in the second inning and two in the fifth while Franklin scored their run in the fifth.

PNC dropped the second game 7-6 and left the tying and winning runs on second and third as their rally fell just short.

Tracy Markwell started and gave up four runs (three earned) on five hits and a walk in three innings. Bethany Toyias came on and gave up three runs on three hits while striking out eight in four innings.

The Panthers had 11 hits and were led by Val Minyard (two RBI) and Alyssa Duncan (triple, two RBI) with three hits each. Jessica Brannagan (triple, two RBI) and Betsy Maher each added two hits while Melissa Carson contributed a double. PNC left eight on base and didn't take full advantage of seven Franklin free passes.

The Panthers will play again on Monday when they take on Taylor University in Upland , IN in another non-conference doubleheader at 2 p.m.

The PNC softball team defeated Trinity International in a CCAC doubleheader Friday afternoon in Michigan City. The Panthers (14-10, 4-4) won the first game 4-3 and the second game 2-0.

In game one PNC led 4-0 before the Trojans rallied for three runs in the fifth inning.

Alissa Whitaker allowed all three runs on seven hits while striking out nine before Bethany Toyias pitched a scoreless seventh inning for the Panthers.

Jessica Brannagan and Val Minyard (double, two RBI) had two hits apiece for PNC while Jessica Frucci added a triple. Alyssa Duncan added an RBI for the Panthers.

In game two Toyias was brilliant, allowing just four hits and two walks while striking out five in the complete game performance.

The Panther managed just four singles, but three came in the second inning along with one of their two walks. Melissa Carson and Julie Farmer drove in the Panther runs.

PNC plays again tomorrow when they host Franklin College in a non-conference doubleheader at 12 p.m.

The Purdue North Central softball team swept a doubleheader from host Trinity Christian College Wednesday afternoon in Palos Heights, IL.

The Panthers (12-10, 2-4) won the first game by the score of 5-3, scoring two runs in their final at bats for the difference.

Alissa Whitaker started for PNC and gave up all three runs on six hits and a walk while striking out five in five innings. Bethany Toyias came on and completed the game, allowing a hit and walk while striking out two.

The Panthers had just five hits but they came at the right time as they were wrapped around a Trinity error and a walk.

Betsy Maher led the way with a two-run triple and Val Minyard added a run-scoring double.

PNC scored three runs in the fourth inning to go along with their two in the seventh. The Trolls scored two in the third and one in the fifth.

The Panthers won the second game by the score of 7-4 after jumping out to a 5-2 lead after one inning of play. PNC added two in the sixth and the Trolls pushed across two in the seventh for the final score.

Tracy Markwell started for PNC and gave up two runs on six hits and a walk over three innings. Toyias pitched the final four innings for the Panthers and allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and two walks while striking out five.

The Panthers pounded out 13 hits with several players having multiple hit games. Julie Farmer (three hits, HR, two RBI), Minyard (two hits, double), Danielle Burdine (two hits, RBI), and Alyssa Duncan (two hits, RBI) led the way. Jessica Frucci added a double and an RBI.

The Panthers will be back in action when they host Trinity International in another CCAC doubleheader Friday 3 p.m.

The Purdue North Central softball team dropped two tight, CCAC games to host St. Francis in Joliet , IL Sunday afternoon.

In game one the Panthers fell 6-5 in 10 innings despite out-hitting the Saints 12-9.

Both teams did most of their offensive work in one inning. PNC scored four runs in the third inning and one in the sixth. St. Francis scored one each in the fourth and tenth innings but scored four in the fifth. They scored their winning run on an error with two outs in the bottom of the tenth.

Melissa Carson led PNC with two hits, including a homerun and an RBI. Stephanie Zaharias, Val Minyard (double, 2 RBI) and Erin Foust all added two more hits while Betsy Maher drove in two runs with a double. Jessica Frucci and Alyssa Duncan each contributed a double.

Bethany Toyias started for the Panthers and gave up five runs (four earned) on seven hits and four walks while striking out two in six innings of work. Tracy Markwell took the loss despite a solid performance. She gave up one unearned run on two hits and a walk while striking out one in 3.1 innings. Alissa Whitaker recorded one out for PNC.

In game two St. Francis rallied from a 2-1 deficit after 4.5 innings to win 4-2.

PNC scored single runs in the first and fifth innings while the Saints scored one in the fourth, two in the fifth and one more in the sixth.

Whitaker took the complete game loss despite giving up just three earned runs on seven hits and a walk with five strikeouts.

Jessica Brannagan (double, RBI) and Danielle Burdine (double) each had two hits while Minyard contributed an RBI on the only other hit for PNC, a homerun in the first inning.

The Panthers (10-10, 0-4) look to pick up their first conference wins when they travel to Trinity Christian in Palos Heights, IL for a doubleheader at 3 p.m. on Wednesday.

The Purdue North Central softball team swept a doubleheader from Grace College in their home opener Saturday afternoon in Michigan City .

The Panthers (10-8, 0-2) won the first game 4-2 behind the solid pitching of Tracy Markwell.

Markwell gave up two runs (one earned) on four hits and four walks while striking out two in six innings. Bethany Toyias came on and closed out the game with a scoreless inning in relief and allowed just one walk.

The game didn't feature a lot of offense but PNC scratched out six singles and took advantage of three walks and two Grace errors.

Jessica Brannagan and Stephanie Zaharias led the Panthers with two hits each while Alyssa Duncan picked up two RBI.

The Panthers led 3-2 before adding an insurance run in the sixth inning for the difference.

PNC won the second game by the same score (4-2) as the four runs they scored in the fifth inning held up.

Alissa Whitaker started for the Panthers and went five innings, allowing one run on three hits and two walks while striking out five. Toyias finished the nightcap by allowing one run on three hits while striking out two in two innings.

The Panthers had nine hits overall and were led by Brannagan and Maher with two hits apiece. Maher and Val Minyard each had two RBI and Erin Foust added a double.

PNC plays again tomorrow when they take on St. Francis in a CCAC doubleheader in Joliet, IL . The first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.

After a 12 day layoff due to poor weather, the PNC softball team opened conference play with 10-0 and 12-1 defeats to St. Xavier in Chicago Tuesday afternoon.

In game one the Panthers (8-8, 0-2) trailed 2-0 entering the fourth inning before St. Xavier exploded for eight runs to seal the victory.

The Cougars out-hit the Panthers 11-4 and took advantage of four walks and an error by PNC. St. Xavier also had the only extra base hits in the game with two homeruns and a double. Four different players had singles for PNC.

Bethany Toyias took the loss for the Panthers while going the distance and striking out two.

The second game was very similar as the Cougars out-hit the Panthers 13-6 and won again after five innings.

St. Xavier scored two runs in the first inning, four in the second and six in the third while PNC scored their run in the first inning.

Erin Foust drove in the Panthers run as six different individuals collected six singles for PNC.

Kate Golden took the loss, allowing six runs on seven hits and one walk in 1.1 innings. Tracy Markwell also gave up six runs on six hits and two walks with one strikeout in two innings of work. Finally, Alissa Whitaker struck out one while recording the final two outs for the Panthers.

The Panthers look to rebound when they take on Grace College in their home opener on Saturday at 3 p.m. in Michigan City.

The Purdue North Central softball team finished 8-6 on their annual spring trip to Tucson, AZ over spring break.

The Panthers dropped their first game of the trip on March 8th by the score of 5-2 in eight innings against Northland College, a NCAA, Division III team from Ashland, WI .

The game was tied 2-2 before Northland erupted for the winning runs in their final at bats in the top of the eighth inning. Both teams knocked out seven hits and played error-free ball.

Melissa Carson and Stephanie Zaharias led PNC with two hits apiece while Jessica Brannagan and Kate Golden drove in one run each.

Golden (0-1) was the losing pitcher as she gave up the three runs in 2.2 innings of work, collecting six strikeouts while walking one and giving up four hits. Bethany Toyias started for PNC and pitched 5.1 innings, giving up two runs on three hits and three walks while striking out seven.

In game two the Panthers moved to 0-2 after falling to Mayville State University, an NAIA program from North Dakota by the score of 7-4.

PNC opened the contest with two runs in the top of the first inning but Mayville responded with six of their own to take control of the game. The Panthers inched closer with two more runs in the fourth but Mayville held on for the victory.

PNC out-hit Mayville 10-4 but the Comets took advantage of seven walks and an error by PNC for the difference.

Zaharias, Carson and Val Minyard all had two hits for the Panthers with Minyard picking up and RBI. Brannagan led the way with two RBI while Erin Foust contributed a double.

Alissa Whitaker moved to 0-1 on the year, allowing three runs without recording an out. She walked two batters and hit one. Tracy Markwell finished the game for PNC giving up four runs on four hits, five walks, and three hit batters in six innings of work.

In the third game of the trip and the third game of the day, the Panthers picked up their first win of the year with a 3-0 victory over Calvin College (MI). Calvin is another NCAA, Division III program.

Toyias (1-0) had an outstanding game giving up just five hits and two walks while striking out six in going the distance.

The Panthers needed a strong pitching performance as they mustered all three runs in the second inning while collecting eight hits overall.

Carson had two hits for the third straight game while Danielle Burdine also collected two hits. Zaharias had the only extra base hit of the game with a double for PNC that drove in two runs. Alyssa Duncan added the other RBI for the Panthers.

The Panthers played another tripleheader on Sunday and started the day with an exciting 8-7 victory over Missouri Valley College, an NAIA program from Marshall, MO.

PNC seemed to have control of the game, taking a 5-2 lead into the top of the seventh inning. But the Vikings rallied for five runs to take a 7-5 lead. After PNC recorded two outs in the bottom of the seventh, they scored three runs on four straight singles and a game-winning walk from Burdine to win the game.

The two teams both amassed high hit totals with the Panthers out-slugging the Vikings 18-13. Foust led PNC with four hits while Minyard added three. Zaharias, Golden (HR), Jessica Frucci and Duncan all had two hits apiece. Carson led PNC with two RBI while five others added single RBI's.

Toyias moved to 2-0, giving up seven runs on 13 hits and one walk while striking out nine.

The Panthers fell to 2-3 on the trip following their second game on Sunday when they fell to Dickinson State University 15-0. The Blue Hawks are a top tier NAIA program from Dickinson, ND .

Dickinson State came out quickly, scoring seven runs in the first, one in the second and six in the third before cruising to the five inning victory. The Blue Hawks collected 17 hits to the Panthers' five.

Golden (0-2) took the loss after allowing all 15 runs (14 earned) on 16 hits and three walks in four innings of work. Markwell added a scoreless inning for PNC.

Minyard was the only Panther with more than one hit as she collected two in the game.

The Panthers' struggles continued in their third game of the day as they fell 12-7 to Webster College, a NCAA D-III program from Missouri .

Both teams came out of the gate hot with Webster scoring two runs in the first inning, one in the second and five in the third. PNC responded with two runs in the first and five in the second to make it 8-7 after three innings of play.

However, the Panthers didn't score again as Webster posted a four-run sixth for the difference.

The Panthers had nine hits overall, including two each from Brannagan, Minyard (double, two RBI), Maher (two RBI) and Frucci. Foust added a two-run double for PNC.

Despite the hot hitting, the Panthers allowed 12 hits, including two homeruns and three doubles. Whitaker started the game and gave up six runs on seven hits and a walk in two innings while striking out four.

Toyias relieved and gave up two runs on four hits while striking out six in two innings. Golden finished the game for PNC and gave up four more runs on four hits and a walk while striking out two in one inning.

After an off day on Monday, PNC (2-4) had another tripleheader on Tuesday. This day proved to be a turning point for the Panthers as they would finish the trip winning six of their last eight games.

In game one the Panthers defeated Cornerstone University (MI), a NAIA program, by the score of 4-0 behind the strong pitching of Toyias.

Toyias allowed just three hits and two walks while striking out ten in the complete game performance.

The Panthers scored all of their runs in the first inning as they sent all nine batters to the plate. PNC collected three of their seven hits overall and took advantage of a hit batter, two walks and an error from Cornerstone.

Zaharias and Foust led the Panthers with two hits each while Frucci led them with two RBI.

In game two on Tuesday the Panthers (3-4) defeated Missouri Valley for the second time on the trip by the score of 10-5.

Markwell led the way by throwing another complete game, allowing five runs on 11 hits and a walk while striking out three.

Brannagan (triple) and Zaharias (double, two walks) led the Panther nine-hit attack with two hits apiece. Maher led them with three RBI and Minyard (double) collected two RBI. PNC also took advantage of four errors and six walks from Missouri Valley .

The game was tied at 3-3 before the Panthers exploded for seven runs in the sixth inning to take control of the game.

In the last game of the day the Panthers dropped a tight 5-4 ballgame to Jamestown College, a NAIA program from North Dakota .

The Panthers seemed to be in control of the game taking a 4-1 lead into the bottom of the seventh inning. But Jamestown rallied for four runs on a walk, a hit batter, a wild pitch, a fast ball and three consecutive singles to win the game.

Whitaker started for PNC and allowed one unearned run in six innings on six hits and a walk while striking out four. Golden took the loss, allowing all four runs in the seventh.

The Panthers collected eight hits compared to nine for Jamestown, and were led by Zaharias (double) and foust with two each. Zaharias also led PNC with two RBI.

On Wednesday the Panthers (4-5) played three more games and started off by edging Jamestown 4-3. This time the Panthers scored the winning run in the seventh inning on a game winning hit by Minyard.

The two teams were evenly matched again as PNC scored one run in the fourth inning, two in the sixth and the run in the seventh. Jamestown scored one run apiece in the third, fifth and sixth innings.

Markwell started for PNC and went five strong innings, giving up two runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out four. Golden came in and pitched the final two innings for the win, allowing one run on two hits while striking out four.

Minyard led PNC with three hits while Burdine (double) collected two hits and two RBI. Brannagan picked up a triple while Maher and Frucci also had doubles.

In their next game on Wednesday the Panthers (5-5) took on Cornerstone University for the second time on the trip. This time PNC fell 2-1 in another well-played ballgame.

The Panthers jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first on an RBI single by foust. Unfortunately, the Panthers managed just four more singles and a double by Golden the rest of the way.

Whitaker was the hard-luck loser, allowing just two runs on five hits in five innings while striking out six. Two of the hits were lead-off triples in the fourth and fifth innings that led to both of Cornerstone's runs. Toyias added a hitless inning for PNC giving up a walk while striking out two.

In the last game of the day PNC evened their record at 6-6 with a 5-2 victory over Iowa Wesleyan, another NAIA program.

The Panthers pounded out 13 hits as Foust and Frucci led the way with three hits each. Minyard added two hits, including a double and Duncan led PNC with two RBI. Maher also added a double for the Panthers.

PNC broke open a 2-2 ballgame with three runs in their last at-bats in the top of the seventh inning for the difference.

Toyias went the distance for the Panthers to earn the victory. She allowed the two runs on six hits and a walk while striking out five.

The Panthers concluded the trip with a doubleheader sweep on Thursday to finish with a three game winning streak.

In their first game PNC defeated McKendree College, an NAIA program from Illinois by the score of 7-1.

The Panthers pounced out to a 5-1 lead after three innings of play after scoring one run in the first inning and two each in the second and third innings. They added two more in the seventh for the final score.

PNC out-hit McKendree 10-7 and took advantage of four Bearcat errors.

Markwell started and gave up one run on five hits and two walks while striking out two in 2.1 innings. Toyias came on and allowed just two hits and a walk while striking out two the rest of the way.

Maher and Carson (double) each had two hits and two RBI for the Panthers while Minyard had two hits and one RBI. Brannagan added a double for PNC.

The Panthers ended their trip on a high note with an impressive 9-0, five-inning win over Patten University (CA), another NAIA program.

Toyias went all five innings giving up just two hits and a walk while striking out five.

The Panthers had 10 more hits and were led by Brannagan with two hits and two RBI. Frucci (two hits, double), Maher (two RBI), Foust, Carson and Duncan (all had doubles) also had solid performances for PNC.

After their flight home on Saturday, the Panthers look to be back in action when they host Concordia University (MI) at 2:30 p.m. in Michigan City on Thursday, March 20th.

The Purdue North Central softball team recently announced their signing class to date for the 2007-08 school year.

The following student-athletes have all signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the Panthers and head softball coach Jeff Boardman next season: Tera Clark ( Warsaw High School ), Kelsey Haney ( Lake Michigan College ), Karissa Inglis ( Lake Central High School ), Megan Olson ( Hobart High School ) and Jaci Williams ( Twin Lakes High School ).

Boardman and his staff have resurrected the Panther softball program. After inheriting a limited roster and finishing 6-32 and 1-17 in the CCAC in 2005, the Panthers finished 21-17 and 10-8 in 2006. This culminated one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the country last season.

Jaci Williams, a senior at Twin Lakes High School in Monticello, IN has signed a national letter of intent to play softball for Purdue North Central and head coach Jeff Boardman.

Williams is planning on studying Elementary Education and eventually focusing on Special Education.

Williams plays pitcher, outfield and infielder for Twin Lakes under coach Desiree Swaim. She has been on the varsity since her freshman year. Last season she was 5-6 with one save and a 2.17 ERA. She allowed 51 hits while striking out 54 in 49 innings of work. She also hit .385 with three doubles and had an on base percentage of .472.

As a sophomore in 2006 Williams was 5-8 with a 4.57 ERA and allowed 74 hits while punching out 78 in 69 innings.

As a freshman, Williams was 4-2 with a 1.48 ERA and allowed 40 hits while striking out 53 in 47.1 innings.

The future Panther has played for several travel teams, most recently for the 2007 Eclipse 16 and Under program. Last summer she was 13-1 with a 1.35 ERA and struck out 106 batters in 93.1 innings.

Williams has also played for the Indiana Rockets 16 and Under team in 2006, the 2005 Indiana Shockwaves 14 and Under team and the Monticello Mustangs 14 and Under program. She anticipates playing for the Circle City Sliders in the summer of 2008.

Boardman and his staff have resurrected the Panther softball program. After inheriting a limited roster and finishing 6-32 and 1-17 in the CCAC in 2005, Boardman's Panthers finished 21-17 and 10-8 in 2006 after just one recruiting class. This culminated one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the country last season.

Purdue University North Central is a campus of more than 3,900 students and is a part of the Purdue University system.

Karissa Inglis, a senior at Lake Central High School in St. John, IN signed a letter of intent to play for the Purdue North Central softball team.

Inglis recently transferred from Virginia and played for the Illinois Angels 18-Under summer travel team. She will play outfield and pitcher at Lake Central in 2008.

The future Panther will play under the tutelage of PNC head coach Jeff Boardman.

Boardman and his staff have resurrected the Panther softball program. After inheriting a limited roster and finishing 6-32 and 1-17 in the CCAC in 2005, Boardman's Panthers finished 21-17 and 10-8 in 2006 after just one recruiting class. This culminated one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the country last season.

Purdue University North Central is a campus of more than 3,900 students and is a part of the Purdue University system.