The Clear Lake Lion softball team finished third in the North Central Conference with nine wins, the most in two decades for the squad.
The team finished with a loss to Algona, the same team they will face in the opening round of Regional play this Thursday, July 11.
Algona 4
Clear Lake 3
The Clear Lake Lion softball team fell 4-3 to a tough Algona Bulldog teams last Wednesday, July 3.
With a quick start and run for the Lions things were looking up but the Bulldogs quickly answered with a run in the bottom of the second to tie the game at one apiece.
The Bulldogs scored the go-ahead run in the bottom of the fourth which was followed by a two-run sixth inning for the Lions to jump back ahead 3-2.
Heading into the bottom of the seventh, the Lions were leading, but a strong push from Algona added two runs that saw the Bulldogs earn the walk-off run in front of the home crowd and drop the Lions to 12-11 on the season.
The Lions recorded four hits that saw three runs and three RBI.
Jezzie Thompson, Alaina Hartl and Madi Ott each scored runs for the Lions, while Taylor Schwenn, Cheyanne Schroeder and Megan Fisher all had RBI for Clear Lake.
Thompson was in the circle for Clear Lake, allowing four runs off six hits, walking five and striking out nine.
“This was a very well-played game by both teams and unfortunately we came up a little short,” said Clear Lake head coach Seth Thompson. “They did a great job in the bottom of the last inning getting down two great bunts to get the winning run on base. Our defense was good and Jezzie pitched great and over-powered them for most of the game, but unfortunately our offense just never really got going. I am extremely proud of what these girls have accomplished this year. Our seven conference wins last year were the most in 20 years and to win nine this year and finish in third place is a huge step in the right direction for our program.”
Central Springs 9
Clear Lake 6
The Lion girls traveled to Manly on Monday, July 8 to play a game that was originally scheduled earlier in the season but was postponed against the Central Springs Panthers.
In yet another twist, rain threatened the game again, but this time it was moved to Manly.
Beginning the game at the bottom of the fifth and tied at 6-6, it was anyone’s game.
Central Springs scored one in the top of the first and then five in the top of the fifth, while the Lions scored six in the bottom of the fifth to even things, but on Monday it was all Central Springs as the Lions allowed three runs between the sixth and seventh innings. The offense couldn’t get going and the Lions fell to 12-12 on the season with the loss before hosting Algona in regional play Thursday, July 11.
