PANTHERS MAKE STATEMENT IN OPENING GAME

By Eriele Salas

The Guam High Panthers made a clear statement to open up the 2023 ISA Fastpitch Softball League. The defending champions crushed the Sanchez Sharks 27-0 Tuesday evening to make a quick claim on who will be the team to beat.

The returning champions did not disappoint the home crowd as Panthers stud pitcher Brinnlyn Hardt struck out seven in a game shut down after three innings. Guam High’s offense crossed 18 runs in the first inning and nine more in the third inning.

Hardt’s fastball were too much for the Sharks from the start with added defense from Morgen Piehl and Rya Castro. 

Guam High took advantage of Sanchez pitching being off the mark, scoring 18 runs in the bottom of the 1st inning.

While the Panthers were scoring at-will, the Sharks stood no chance of a miracle comeback, especially with Hardt dealing in the circle. It was light work from then on for the Panthers. 

At the end, it was a football-type score of 27-0.

Sanchez will have time to regroup, not playing for another two weeks through Spring Break.

Guam High will host the Academy Cougars Saturday morning at 10 am in what will be a rematch of last year’s championship game.

In the other season-opening game, the Southern Dolphins routed the Okkodo Bulldogs 33-7.