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Athlete Of The Week

Gabby Doyle

Putnam County, junior, softball

Putnam County softball coach Adrianna Zeman has been searching for someone to step up for the Panthers’ offense.

Junior leadoff hitter Gabby Doyle has filled the role.

In a two-game sweep of Roanoke-Benson/Lowpoint-Washburn in Tri-County Conference play, Doyle went 6 for 8 with a home run, six RBIs and three runs as the Panthers won 19-4 and 11-0.

“We have been looking for someone to step up and be that spark for our team offensively, and Gabby had been seeing the ball well,” Zeman said. “Last week we had talked a lot as a team about having a good approach at the plate, setting goals and what that meant to each of them.

“When Gabby swings, she swings hard. She goes up to the plate knowing what she is looking for and also has good discipline at the plate. It was just a matter of time for her swing to come together and click, and that’s exactly what happened. She had an incredible week, and she’s working hard to continue being that spark for us. It was awesome to experience, and I am so proud of her.”

For her performance, Doyle was voted the NewsTribune Athlete of the Week (April 17-22), sponsored by Central Bank, Witek Wealth Management and the Spring Valley, Mendota and Princeton McDonald’s.

Doyle answered a few questions from NewsTribune Sports Editor Kevin Chlum.

When did you start playing softball and how did you get into it?

Doyle: I started playing T-ball first, and my community and my family encouraged me to get into the sport.

What do you like about playing softball?

Doyle: I like to compete and see my friends every day.

What makes you a good softball player?

Doyle: I think my ability to push myself to do the right thing helps me improve every day.

What is your favorite sports memory?

Doyle: My favorite sports memory was winning sectionals for a chance to go to state.

Who is the best athlete you ever competed against in any sport?

Doyle: The best person I’ve played was probably Reagan Stoudt from St. Bede.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Doyle: I would go to Greece because of the scenery.

What food could you win an eating contest with?

Doyle: I could win an ice cream eating contest.

If you could get advice from anyone, who would it be and why?

Doyle: I would get advice from [PC assistant basketball coach] Jeff Rehn because he’s always pushed me to be the best possible version of myself at all times.

What is a TV show or movie you never get tired of watching?

Doyle: I never get tired of watching “Billy Madison.”

What are your thoughts on your individual performance last week?

Doyle: I was pretty happy about my offensive performance. My goal was to focus on each at-bat at a time and adjust as needed, and I felt like I did that pretty well last week.

Pc Roundup Baseball

Eureka 5, Putnam County 0: The Panthers had four hits in a nonconference loss in Eureka on Thursday, May 11.

Putnam County 13, Plano 2 (5 inn.): Josh Jessen was 2 for 2 with a double, four RBIs and a run to help the Panthers to a nonconference victory in Granville on Friday, May 12.

Austin Mattingly went 1 for 1 with three walks, three RBIs and two runs for PC (17-13), while also pitching four scoreless innings to earn the win.

Class 1A Regional at Putnam County

Mon., May 15: Game 1 - (11) Leland at (10) Indian Creek; Game 2 - (12) Earlville at (6) Hinckley-Big Rock

Wed., May 17: Game 3 at 4:30 pm: (2) Aurora Christian vs. Winner Game 1, 4:30 p.m.

Thu., May 18: Game 4 - (4) Putnam County vs. Winner Game 2, 4:30 p.m.

Sat., May 20: Championship - Winners Game 3-4, 11 a.m.

Softball

Marquette 6, Putnam County 2: Valeria Villagomez drove in both of the Panthers’ runs in a Tri-County Conference loss in Granville on Tuesday, May 9.

Class 1A Regional at Sterling Newman Regional

Mon., May 15: Game 1 - (8) Amboy at (6) Henry-Senachwine

Wed., May 17: Game 2 - (2) Morrison vs. Winner Game 1, 4:30 p.m.

Thu., May 18: Game 3 - (3) Sterling Newman vs. (5) Putnam County, 4:30 p.m.

Sat., May 20: Championship - Winners Game 2-3, 10 a.m.