SAN MARCOS — The Pflugerville High softball team’s season ended with a 1-0 loss to San Antonio Taft in the area round of the 5A playoffs at Texas State University last Thursday.

The Panthers (24-4) struggled offensively the entire game, managing just one hit. However, they had chances to score, loading the bases at one point but could not push the run across.

‘“We weren’t able to adjust to the wide strike zone and could not get the key hit when we had runners in scoring position,” Pflugerville coach David Sisson said.

Diedre Outon did everything she could to keep the Panthers in game, pitching eight shutout innings. Taft did bang out eight hits in the contest and finally pushed a run across in the ninth.

The game was the final one in a Panther uniform for Pflugerville’s four-year ace hurler Outon and her sister, catcher, Haley. They graduate this spring and will ply their trade at the University of Houston starting this fall. The Panthers also lost starting shortstop Tori Gomez, another four-year member of the varsity, as well as Millie Marshall and Sierra Valdez. On their watch the Pflugerville program regained its position as one of the top softball programs in central Texas.

‘“Not only are we losing a very talented group but a great group of leaders,” Sisson added. ‘“They will be missed tremendously.”

However, with just five players leaving there is plenty left in the cupboard for Sisson and the Panthers. Freshman hurler Shelby Sells proved she could pitch on the big stage this year and appears primed to step into the big shoes Diedre Outon is leaving. Sisson also has the luxury of a strong junior class who will be back to lead the team next year including first baseman Brittany Harley, second baseman Celina Ramos, third baseman Ashleigh Scott and utility player Taylor Garcia.

‘“We feel very good about our returning players four of whom will be seniors and have three years of varsity experience,” Sisson said. ‘“We also have a talented group of underclassman coming back. We expect to be competitive just as we were this year and have been in the past. There is a long history of success in the Panther softball program and the girls expect to continue it.”