Lady Panthers struggles continue in weekend losses

BENTONVILLE — For the second time in two weeks the Benton Lady Panthers have lost two straight games.

On Friday, Benton traveled to Northwest Arkansas, eventually falling to Bentonville 8-5 in nonconference action.

On Saturday, Benton would hit a buzzsaw as Gravette rolled to a 13-1 win over the defending state champions.

Bentonville used two big innings to get past the Lady Panthers, scoring three in the second and five more in the fourth.

Benton would not get in on the scoring until late, pulling within 8-4 in the fifth thanks to a two-run home run from Hannah Edington and back-to-back run-scoring doubles from Londyn Burrough and Anna Lackey.

Chloe Bradley would bring in the game’s final run, driving home Audrey Digiovanna on the single.

Lydia Bethards, Burrough and Bradley would lead Benton, all with two hits in the loss.

Rexie Craine would be touched up the most from the circle, allowing seven earned runs on eight hits and a walk in 3.1 innings.

Burrough was strong in 2.2 innings of work, allowing a run on two hits and two walks.

Saturday’s tilt would be rough for Benton as three pitchers combined to allow 13 total runs on 17 hits and four errors.

Despite leading for a half inning 1-0, Benton would quickly be behind for good as Gravette posted two in the second and 10 combined in the second and third.

Lackey would contribute the Lady Panthers only run in the game, driving home Cameron Culclager for the score.

Benton would finish with three hits in the loss.

The nonconference losses moves Benton to 6-5 overall on the year. The Lady Panthers returned to conference action Tuesday at El Dorado.