Clear Lake softball team struggling for a win

The Clear Lake softball team suffered four losses in four days last week, dropping their record to 0-7.

Iowa Falls-Alden 9, CL 1

The Lions pounded out 14 hits, but a strong start by the Iowa Falls-Alden Cadets was too much to overcome.  They were defeated, 9-1.

All nine of the Cadets’ runs crossed home plate in the first inning.

The runs were scored with Reagan Brackey on the mound.  She gave up nine hits and walked two.  Kirsten Baalson did a good job in relief.  The sophomore closed out the game, allowing two hits and walking six.

“We had 14 hits and were able to put the ball into play, but we couldn’t overcome the one big inning deficit,” said Coach Megan Young.  “Kayla Ritter had a great night, but defensively we were not on point.”

Michaela Niles, Sara Buehler and Ritter had three hits apiece, with Niles picking up the RBI.  Michala Ouverson and Carney Frahm each had two hits.  Frahm and Katie Hewett each stroked doubles.

Central Springs 7, CL 1

Another big inning was to blame in a 7-1 loss to Central Springs Tuesday, June 2.  The Lions scored one run in the first, but trailed 3-1 through five.  In the sixth, the Panthers pushed four runs across the plate.

“Carney Frahm was a great leader tonight, as she swung a hot bat.  Defensively, we just couldn’t hold them in the sixth inning,” said Coach Young.

Frahm and Michala Ouverson each had two hits.  Lexi Jones, Chloe Mueller, Michaela Niles, Tori Fyfe and Sara Buehler had one hit apiece.  Mueller picked up the RBI.

Kirsten Baalson took the loss on the mound.  She gave up five hits and walked seven in five innings of work.  Reagan Brackey there two innings, walking four and giving up one hit.

C-G-D 16, CL 10

The Lions and Clarion-Goldfield-Dows had a slugfest on Wednesday, June 3.  In the end, the host Cowgirls posted a 16-10 win.

“Both teams had hot bats, but we just need to keep everything in perspective.  A few runs doesn’t guarantee anything,” said Coach Young.

The Lions had a fast start, as they put three run on the board in the top of the first inning.

The Cowgirls responded with two runs in the bottom of the frame, then added two more in the bottom of the third to tie the score at 4-4.

Clear Lake’s four-run fourth was topped by C-G’s five runs in the bottom of the inning.  A six run sixth gave the Cowgirls the lead they needed to hold off the Lions.  CL plated one run in each of the final two innings.

“We continue to show progress in both hitting and fielding, but we need to put the two together,” said Coach Young.

Lexi Jones, Chloe Mueller, Tori Fyfe and Carney Frahm had two hits apiece, with Fyfe and Carney each smacking doubles.  Michaela Niles, Michala Ouverson and Sara Bueller each had one hit.

Baalson pitched themes.  The Cowgirls had 10 hits off her.  She struck out four and walked three.  Reagan Brackey came in for one-third of an inning and was touched for five hits.  She struck out one and walked three.

St. Ed’s 7, CL 2

The Lions found themselves in a battle Thursday, June 4, with St. Edmond’s in town.  The NCC teams were locked in a close contest until the fifth inning, when the Gaels broke it open with four runs. The went on to win, 7-2.

“We are happy with the way the girls played and the scores do not reflect the effort that is being put into each game.  The girls seem to continue to work hard and I have faith that it will all come together,” said Coach Megan Young.

Leading the seven-hit Lion attack was Michala Niles and Carney Frahm with two hits apiece.  Lexi Jones, Chloe Mueller and Sara Buehler.