Watervliet Public Schools

Panthers Edge Cheboygan in Thriller at Saint John’s Invitational The Watervliet Panthers hit the road Saturday to compete in the Saint John’s Invitational, and game one delivered plenty of excitement as the Panthers battled the Cheboygan Chiefs. In a back-and-forth contest, Watervliet came out on top with a hard-fought 8-7 victory. The Panthers showed resilience throughout the game, answering every push from Cheboygan and doing just enough late to secure the win. In the circle, Emma Kirksey earned the victory with a solid performance, while Mackenzie Brimele came in to shut the door and pick up the save. Offensively, Watervliet was led by a big day from Ava Trapp, who paced the lineup with two singles, a double, and an RBI. The Panthers’ bats stayed active up and down the order, creating consistent pressure on the Chiefs’ defense. Kaylee Bartee contributed with a timely single and drove in two runs, while Alexis Eberhard added a single and an RBI of her own. Madison Eberhard and Kendal Kiefer each chipped in with singles, helping keep innings alive. Leila Liberto-Taylor added a single and an RBI, and Rae Prestidge came through with a clutch single to drive in another run, rounding out a balanced offensive attack. The Panthers’ ability to get contributions from multiple players proved to be the difference in a one-run game, as they opened tournament play with an impressive win. WP-Kirksey S-Birmele Trap- 2 1B, 2B, RBI Bartee-1B, RBI A. Eberhard- 1B, RBI M.Eberhard, 1B Kiefer, Liberto-Taylor, Prestidge all had a 1B, RBI The Panther will face Jackson-Northwest in finals