The Panthers swept their doubleheader this past Saturday against Kishwaukee College. They won the first game 10-4 and the second matchup, 9-5. Their road sweep of the doubleheader ended a three-game losing streak and eight of their past nine.

The pair of victories were impressive due to the fact the team strung several hits and made tremendous defensive efforts on the diamond.

"So many positives today! Needs to be a building block for continued success during the year. Keep learning, growing, and buying in," head coach Aaron Moore said.

The doubleheader featured both star pitchers Heather Ward and Kennedi Meinecke. The tandem combined for two complete games and 11 strikeouts.

Meinecke allowed 10 hits and five earned runs, but only walked one batter and kept the ball in the yard. She also struck out 7, which was the second-highest total she has had all season.

In fact, it was earlier in the season back on their March 6 doubleheader when they swept Kishwaukee College. Meinecke went the distance without allowing an earned run and struck out a season-high eight batters. 

She limited the damage once again and helped her own cause during the doubleheader at the dish. She scored two runs as the leadoff hitter while pitching (Game 2), and she then posted a pair of hits and scored twice leading off as the starting second baseman (Game 1).

Ward posted some video game numbers herself on the day. She struck out four in the Game 1 victory that started all the fun. On the day she had two hits, two runs, and drove three runners in during their sweep.

"Kennedi and Heather are throwing the ball better and better. And they're learning every time they step into the circle. They both located very well and had good change-ups today which is huge. I really loved their ability to locate both sides of the plate. But a big takeaway was the way they got leadoff hitters out. Makes a difference in the game," Moore stated.

One of the consistent stars of the team has been their star outfielder, Jacklyn Roney. She has been a five-tool player with the ability to hit for average and power while showing the skills to run the basepaths, throw runners out when needed (see Bay College), and her defensive fielding has passed the eye test as well. 

Having the ability to put together innings where runs are needed is vital. Roney continues to be a constant star that the Panthers have relied heavily upon this season. She simply was on fire, posting seven hits to go along with her five runs batted in and four runs scored.

"Jacklyn had another really good day at the plate. She's going up there looking to do damage early in counts and putting good swings on the ball. She's also so good and smart on the bases which is another added bonus," Moore said.

The Panthers' ability to drive the ball is what allows them to put together a winning streak as Skyway competition heats up with the weather hopefully turning around as May quickly approaches.

In their doubleheader sweep, they ended up posting five extra-base hits, four of which went for doubles. The key for most winning teams is having unsung heroes and role players really shine throughout the order.

''A lot of credit to our entire lineup though. Kennedi and Ailany Reyes are embracing their new roles at the top of the order and setting the table. We had two sac flies today as well which is a sign of big-time team at-bats," Moore stated.

Itza Gonzales showed off her powerful offensive bat in the lineup as well. During the doubleheader sweep, she posted 3 hits, including a solo home run. It was her first bomb since she left the park in their dominant victory over Gogebic Community College on April 3rd. 

They have a single road game against Oakton on Monday at 2 pm (Rosemont), but the schedule gets even busier throughout the week. They head to College of DuPage for a scheduled Wednesday doubleheader beginning at 3 pm.

Weather permitting they have a doubleheader on Thursday, Saturday, and then Sunday. The four Skyway matchups are vital to improving upon their current conference standings.

At 1-3, they are in fifth place at the moment with several games in the upcoming days and weeks that will impact the standings.

The Panthers will be geared up for Sunday, which is a special Pack the Park for 60 campers at Rosemont Stadium (Rosemont, IL).

The free softball camp starts at 10 am and will be followed by their doubleheader against Kankakee Community College, beginning at 1 pm. 

Come check out the Panthers as they are catching their stride in time for the gauntlet April schedule that will be highly entertaining to follow as the season continues to progress.

Be sure to always keep it locked here on GoMCPanthers.com and check out our social media pages @McAthletics1924 and @MortonCollegeSB for more upcoming featured stories, interviews, and all the latest news for Panther softball.