On a day filled with threats — including from the weather — the Tamaqua softball team overwhelmed rival Panther Valley in a 12-0 Schuylkill League win that lasted just four-and-a-half innings.

The Blue Raiders – who have now won five in a row – got off to a slow start, scoring one run in the first inning without a hit. Their bats briefly cooled again in the second before head coach Tony Zancofsky rallied the squad with a fiery team talk. Tamaqua responded with a blistering third inning, sending 17 batters to the plate and scoring 11 runs on 11 hits.

That outburst left the visiting Panthers reeling, despite head coach Tara Yuricheck’s attempts to find a spark.

“We got into that funk and they just didn’t do what we needed to come out of (our shell),” Yuricheck said, looking for a positive.

The win keeps Tamaqua (3-1 Division I) in the hunt with Blue Mountain, Pine Grove and North Schuylkill. Panther Valley fell to 2-3 in league play.

Freshman Naomi Knitter was nearly untouchable in the circle, allowing just one hit — a two-out single to left by Ava Alabovitz in the second — and striking out eight. She issued just one walk, to Janessa Prudente in the first with two outs. After the lone hit, Knitter retired the final 10 batters she faced, striking out the side in the third, and allowing just three balls in play the rest of the way.

“I rely on my sinker,” Knitter said. “When I have my control with it, it’s my go-to pitch.”

She also delivered at the plate, blasting a two-run home run and adding a single.

The third-inning rally was powered by a balanced attack. Addison Krall singled and doubled to drive in two runs. Leah Crowley and Molly Evans each collected two hits. Megan Linkhorst added a booming triple, Abby Rex contributed a pinch-hit single, and Knitter capped the outburst with her home run.

“The hit that (Naomi) allowed is on me,” Zancofsky said with a grin. “I called that pitch — a changeup — so I caused the no-no.”

Aside from that moment, Knitter was in complete control.

LINEUP SHUFFLE ... Zancofsky made a point to give several players at-bats in the fourth inning with the Raiders firmly in control.

OFF AND RUNNING ... The game began at 3:40 p.m. to avoid potential storms, and lasted just 70 minutes.

TOUGH CONDITIONS ... Outfielders dealt with challenging conditions as strong winds made fly balls difficult to track.

GETTING BETTER ... Panther Valley, featuring a young roster, continues to focus on development and doing the little things right to stay competitive.

Panther Vy 000 00 – 0 1 5

Tamaqua 10(11) 0x – 12 14 0

Prudente and McQuilllen; Knitter and Krall, Bamford. W – McQuillen L – Prudente. HR: Tamaqua - Knitter.

Records: Tamaqua (7-3); Panther Valley (3-4)