This past Thursday, the Panther softball team held their second annual Hit-A-Thon at Robinson-Dresser field, a fundraiser for the softball team. Fans pledged money on certain players, putting their batting skills to the test.

The weather was almost perfect for a home run derby. The sky was clear and the sun was setting behind the complex. However, it wouldn’t truly be a Cedar Falls sporting event without a continuous gust of wind, blowing in directly from center field. Yet this proved to be a small obstacle to overcome as the Panthers sent the ball sailing over the fence (and sometimes the scoreboard) 30 times, collectively. In a rare event where a sports team and the fans are able to “put their money where their mouth is,” the players met the pressure with all smiles.

The Panthers had a busy week leading up to the Hit-A-Thon, first playing Kirkwood on Tuesday, then Upper Iowa on Wednesday. As a team, UNI was running on all cylinders, winning convincingly in both outings thanks to a strong defense and hot hands at the plate. Their long ball offense continued well into Thursday evening. With 315 pledges and a total of $67.11 donated per foot traveled, UNI was able to raise over $25,000 dollars for the program.

To make things even more interesting, Coach Ryan Jacobs decided to include a celebrity roster addition to help round out an already- stacked lineup of sluggers.

“Our super-duper senior playing an undecided position and earning a one-day full ride scholarship, head coach of the Men’s basketball team, Ben Jacobson!” Coach Egger said as a newcomer stepped up to the plate.

Coach Jacobs’ knowledge of quality softball hitters showed out in his “free agent acquisition,” as Jacobson was able to take a number of shots near the fence, including two that went yards over left field.

With spirits high as the event concluded, Coach Egger thanked everybody that came out.

“But the biggest thanks goes to the girls for all the hard work they put in,” said Coach Egger. “They know what this money is for and what we can do with it as a team.”

The busy week continued for the Panthers as they traveled to Des Moines for the weekend to play Iowa, Iowa State, and Drake in the All-Iowa Classic.