Preps

Panthers' depth overpowers Terriers

TAMPA -- Yes, Plant did lose its No.1 pitcher and one of its better hitters a couple of weeks ago when Megan Menard went out for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

But no, Plant did not crawl under a rock after that.

"We've adjusted, moved people around, worked a few other pitchers in and out," Plant coach Sallie Scudder said. "And none of it has been a huge shock to us because we've done that type of thing all season.

"The good thing about this team is that it has depth at every position. The difference for us now, because Megan was a such a great player, is that depth is no longer a luxury but a necessity."

Whatever you want to call it, Plant had more than enough of it Wednesday night in an 11-0 victory over Hillsborough, a team that has been on an upswing the past few weeks.

"I was expecting a competitive game," Hillsborough coach Kelly McCardle said. "I can't explain what happened with us tonight. Our uniforms showed up, but our players didn't.

"You can't do that against a team as good as Plant. I don't know, I'm at a loss."

Tiffany Abbott earned the victory, and just about every player on the Panthers roster got at least one at-bat.

Leadoff hitter and shortstop Lauren Rodriguez led the way, going 3-for-3 with two singles, a triple, three stolen bases, three runs scored, five RBIs and a flawless effort in the field.

As for the rest of the season, Scudder said she might continue to juggle the lineup, or it could get more solidified as it gets closer to districts.

"We haven't played four games all season with the same lineup," Scudder said. "I'd say it's worked pretty well so far. ...

"The attitude of this team has been great all year with me being a first-year coach and all the other changes. I have to give a lot of credit to our seniors for our success."

Plant improved to 20-4 and Hillsborough fell to 12-8.

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