The Panther Valley softball team is doing it one step at a time.

But as the season has gone on, those steps are getting bigger.

The Panthers have gone from baby steps to long strides - winning four of their last five games.

If Monday’s 16-6 trouncing of Nativity is any indication, the second half of the season could be a fun ride.

“They’re gelling together, being more disciplined at the plate, finding pitches to hit,” said second-year Panther Valley manager Tara Yuricheck. “We are starting to find ways to win.

“Doing the little things, bunting, moving runners over and taking the extra base when the opportunity is there. We’re starting to understand the game more.”

The Panthers scored in every inning but the third en route to their six-inning Schuylkill League victory.

Panther Valley seized a 2-0 lead in its first at bat after hits from both Morgan Orsulak and Ava Alabovitz, who aided her pitching cause with three singles and three RBIs on the day.

The Golden Girls put up a four spot to take a short-lived lead in the second after getting a two-run single from Carleigh Palmieri to spearhead the rally.

But the Panthers never flinched as they answered with three runs in the bottom of the frame to take a lead they would not relinquish. Kaidence Krapf, Brenna McAndrew and Kyla McQuillen all picked up big hits in the Panther second.

Panther Valley added a solo run in the fourth when Morgan O’Brien singled and eventually came around to score.

Leading 6-4, the Panthers delivered the knockout blow in the fifth when they sent 11 batters to the plate and scored seven runs. Steering the attack was Caroline Breslin, who singled and tripled in the rally. McQuillen, Orsulak, Mikayla Yuricheck, O’Brien and Lacey Greco all also added hits.

Panther Valley added the coup de grace to the contest with a four-run sixth as Yuricheck, Alabovitz and Krapf all delivered hits.

The win avenged a 12-3 Nativity decision from when the two teams met earlier this season.

“That was our first game,” Yuricheck said. “We’ve made a lot of improvement since then. This was another nice win for us.”

A win that improves PV’s overall record to 5-6, and has it thinking a winning season and a District 11 playoff berth are possible.

“That’s what we’re shooting for,” said Yuricheck. “If we continue to improve, it’s there for us.”

WHACK AWAY … The Panthers banged out 19 hits - a Breslin triple, an Orsulak double and 17 singles.

FROSH IMPRESSES … Yuricheck signaled out freshman pitcher Alabovitz, who is improving with each outing. She picked up the win in the circle, allowing six hits and striking out four.

TOSSING LEATHER … Both sides came up with standout defensive plays. PV’s first baseman Greco, shortstop O’Brien and centerfielder Krapf all flashed leather. Nativity also had some web-gems by Palmieri.

Nativity 040 002 - 6 8 3

Panther Valley 230 173 - 16 19 1

Quick and Lesher; Alabovitz and Orsulak. W - Alabovitz. L - Quick.