Ava Jackson fires one in across home plate [Photo by Kendall Vincent}

***Kendall Vincent is a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.

The Annawan/Wethersfield Titans faced a tough week on the diamond, showing grit and power at the plate but ultimately coming up short in back-to-back games against Illinois Valley Central and Putnam County.

Titans vs. IVC

On Tuesday, the Titans struggled to contain the explosive offense of the Illinois Valley Central Varsity Ghosts, falling 16-0.

Despite strong efforts, including hits from Karsyn Rico and Wavelynn Peart, Annawan/Wethersfield couldn’t get anything going against IVC’s right-hander Jensyn Gustafson, who tossed a complete-game shutout with five strikeouts and no walks. 

The Ghosts racked up 18 hits in the game, led by Taylor Zannaker’s home run and three RBIs, and took full advantage of early defensive miscues by the Titans to take control in the first two innings.

Elynn Manuel readies for a home run swing. [Photo by Kendall Vincent]

Titans vs Putnam County

Looking to bounce back, the Titans returned to action Thursday in a tightly contested matchup against Putnam County’s Lady Panthers. Although Annawan/Wethersfield out-hit the Panthers 16 to 6, they ultimately fell short in a narrow 7-6 loss. 

Karsyn Rico led the charge offensively with an impressive four-hit performance, while Elynn Manuel powered the lineup with a three-RBI day, including a solo home run in the fifth inning to give the Titans a temporary lead.

Annawan/Wethersfield jumped on the board in the third inning with a pair of runs following a Putnam County error and Manuel’s two-run double. The Panthers tied the game in the fifth and eventually pulled ahead in the sixth on a clutch RBI single. Despite a strong seven-inning outing from Ava Jackson, who recorded nine strikeouts, Putnam County’s patience at the plate—drawing nine walks—proved to be the difference.

The Titans played sharp defense throughout the game, committing no errors, with Manuel handling the most fielding chances. Madison Smith and Clara Bella VanOpdorp also had strong performances at the plate with multiple hits each.

Annawan/Wethersfield showed promise with a powerful offensive showing and tight fielding, signaling a team ready to turn the tide in upcoming matchups.