Knights win two out of three conference bouts

By Ginna Young

Cornell-Lake Holcombe’s softball program played host to a double header over the week, before acting as host to one more conference match-up.

April 26 vs. Clear Lake conference (L 11-10)

Clear Lake came to call on the Knights home turf, with a high-scoring contest. The Knights struck first, with three runs in the second inning, before Clear Lake batted in eight runs in the third.

The Knights followed that up with five runs in their side of the inning, but Clear Lake answered with another two runs in the fourth. The Knights also saw two runs close the plate in the fourth, to tie the game, but Clear Lake snuck one more run in, in the fifth, to claim an 11-10 win.

“We couldn’t string together a complete game,” said coach Andy Lorenzen. “We are still making a lot of mistakes that are costing us games.”

Sophomore Brooke Anderson pitched all five innings, allowing 6 hits, 11 runs and 3 walks, while striking out 7.

On the offensive side, sophomore Makya Hetherington came up with 2 hits, while Anderson, junior Michayla Turchen, sophomore Teryn Close and freshman Isabelle Schwingle each got 1 hit.

April 26 vs. Clear Lake conference (W 23-8)

In the second game, the Knights rallied to put up good numbers on the scoreboard and while Clear Lake added runs of their own, with a battle of wits with the weather, the Knights claimed the win.

“It was extremely cold and our girls kept the pressure on, and were able to pull out the 23-8 victory,” said Lorenzen.

Anderson went three innings on the mound, with 2 hits and 3 runs, while Schwingle took a turn, giving up 2 runs and 2 walks, but striking out 4.

Hetherington and sophomore Grace Harycki each finished with 3 hits in the game, followed by Turchen, with 2 hits. Anderson and senior Teaira Spaeth each chipped in with 1 hit.

April 28 vs. Bruce conference (W 12-5)

In the final game of the week, Bruce made the trip to meet the Knights on home ground. The Knights jumped out to an 8- lead and coasted from there, not allowing the Red Raiders to score until the third inning.

Bruce would add another two runs in the fourth inning. while the Knights scored four more runs in the game. The Raiders rallied in the seventh inning, for two runs, but it wasn’t enough and the Knights brought in a 12-5 win.

“We are making a lot of mistakes on the bases,” said Lorenzen. “There is still a ton of room for improvement.”

Anderson went all seven innings, giving up 6 hits and 5 runs, while walking 6 and earning 5 strikeouts.

Turchen and Harycki each had 2 hits, while Anderson, Hetherington and Close all recorded a hit.

“We will be a dangerous team once we eliminate the mental mistakes and put a whole game together,” said Lorenzen.