The New Hope Lady Panthers Softball Team etched their names in the record books Thursday, clinching their third consecutive Class S State Championship in dramatic fashion with a 1-0 victory over Pinckneyville.
The championship game was a tense pitchers’ duel from start to finish. The Lady Panthers secured the win by making a crucial defensive play in the seventh inning, throwing out the tying run at the plate to seal their historic victory.
New Hope’s remarkable season ended with only a single loss, which came at the hands of Mt. Carmel, a school from the larger Class L division. The Lady Panthers’ consistent performance and resilience have made their three-peat a milestone that will be remembered for years to come.
To celebrate their achievement, the Lady Panthers and their coaches will appear with Mark Wells for a special edition of “Morning Mingle” on Monday morning at 9 a.m. on WFIW-FM, 104.9. They will share highlights, memories, and stories from their incredible run. Fans can also tune in to the celebration, which will be streamed online also at wfiwradio.com.