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Pinetown-Less than 24 hours after a wild, extra inning come from behind victory to keep their season alive, the Northside Panthers ran into a hot-hitting Vance Charter School team and lost, 11-1, in the second round of the 1A softball state playoffs.

The Panthers battled back from a 3-1 deficit with three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to defeat Perquimans in the first round Tuesday.

The game was supposed to be played Monday, but was rained out.

“It was a very exciting win and we had to have it, but it took a lot out of us,” Northside coach Eric Slade said. “Our bats were a little slow today and we didn’t have the extra zip we needed. Vance is an excellent team and hit the ball very well.  I hope they do well the rest of the way.”

The Bulldogs banged out 15 hits to remain undefeated at 15-0, while the Panthers finished 14-2 and won the Coastal Plains 1A conference title with a 12-0 mark. Sophomore Hannah Black led the team with a .605 average, five home runs and 33 RBI. Senior Kathleen Slade was next at .512 and freshman Bella Boykin batted .500. Taylor Chase and Rylie Norman join Slade in the senior class.

“I’ve coached them since they were sophomores and will miss them,” Slade said. “They provided great leadership all season. We have a solid group of young players as well, so the program will be in good hands in the future.”