Anthros Sets Strikeout Record as Union County Lady Panthers Open Season with 3-1 Win

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga.— Izzy Anthros struck out a program-record 19 batters to lead the Union County High School Lady Panthers to a 3-1 victory over the Rabun County Wildcats in their season-opening softball game at home on Saturday, Aug. 2.

Anthros’ dominant performance surpassed the previous Union County record for strikeouts in a game, set by Angie Hughes. The pitcher allowed just one run while stifling the Wildcats’ offense through seven innings.

The Lady Panthers took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on a one-out RBI single by Lexi Davenport. Rabun County tied the game at 1-1 in the fourth with an RBI single from Kenlee Hedge.

Union County pulled ahead in the sixth when Peyton Grisham singled in a run, followed by an insurance run on a passed ball, securing a 3-1 lead.

Anthros closed out the win in the seventh, striking out two more batters and fielding a comebacker to the mound.

Rabun County’s Presley Burrell took the loss, pitching six innings and allowing three runs (one earned) on nine hits with three strikeouts.

The Lady Panthers (1-0) travel to face Gilmer County on Tuesday, Aug. 5, with first pitch set for 6 p.m.