CL softball faces tough competition

(Above) Clear Lake’s Julia Merfeld makes a play at second base during the Humboldt game played on Friday, June 2.  -Reporter photo by Chris Barragy

Facing two teams ranked in the top 10, the Clear Lake Lions girls softball team had their work cut out for them this week.

Iowa Falls-Alden 6, CL 5

The Lions played a close game against the Iowa Falls-Alden Cadets on Wednesday, May 31, but ultimately did not prevail.

Kiersten Baalson pitched for six innings, striking out three and allowing six hits and six runs, three of which were earned.  She walked two.

“It was one of those games where the ball did not fall their way. We had some great hits, but Iowa Falls made some plays,” said Coach Austin Peterson.

Julia Merfeld and Kaylee Nosbisch each got two hits, while Chloe Mueller and Bella Parker each had two RBIs.

The Lions tried to rally in the top of the sixth, but fell short, leaving the Cadets with a 6-5 victory.

Central Springs 11, CL 4

  Clear Lake opposed Central Springs, the seventh ranked team in the state, on June 1.  The Lions battled the entire game, but could not find a way to turn the game in their favor, according to Coach Peterson. Central Springs won, 11-4.

  The Lions were led at the plate by Julia Merfeld and Macy Mixdorf, who each had two hits and one RBI.

  “Central Springs is a great team. We played well, but just need to make plays on the defensive side against a team like that,” said Peterson.

  Kiersten Baalson, once again, pitched for the complete game.  She struck out one and allowed 13 hits, eleven runs, six of which were earned.  She walked two.

Humboldt 11, CL 1

In another tough matchup, the Lions faced Humboldt, the fourth ranked team in the state, on June 2.

  Julia Merfeld, Chloe Mueller, and Kaylee Nosbisch all continued to swing hot bats.  Unfortunately, they had the only three hits of the game for the Lions. Sara Faber tallied one RBI.

  Kiersten Baalson pitched for the entire seven innings, striking out three, and allowing 11 runs on 12 hits. She walked one. Nine runs were earned.

  Remaining optimistic, Coach Peterson plans to improve the team’s streak next week.

  “Against good teams like Central Springs and Humboldt, you have to step up and make plays. We had a tough week and played against some good teams. I like where we are at. We will clean up some things and bounce back strong next week,” Peterson said.