Knights are soaring over the competition

By Ginna Young

It was a good week for the Cornell-Lake Holcombe softball program, as they won handily over both their East Lakeland Conference opponents.

April 23 vs. Flambeau conference (W 15-3)

Flambeau was first up on the week, as the Knights hosted the match-up.

“We started out slow, giving up three runs in the first inning, without allowing a ball hit out of the infield,” said coach Andy Lorenzen.

The Knights added a couple runs in the second inning and their bats came alive after that, scoring 11 runs.

“We finished the game strong defensively and are starting to put complete games together as a team,” said Lorenzen. “Our seniors are stepping up and making big plays, in big moments.”

Senior Brooke Anderson went five innings on the mound, allowing 3 runs and 3 hits, while striking out 3.

“Brooke Anderson has been a rock in the circle and is pitching her best ball of her high school career,” said Lorenzen.

Offensively, senior Grace Harycki had a career night, with her first homerun and 2 hits.

“We will be a team to reckon with at the end of the season, if we continue to improve,” said Lorenzen.

Anderson also had 2 hits, as did senior Teryn Close and junior Richelle Raether, while senior Allie Turany and freshman Michelle Butler each had a hit.

April 25 vs. New Auburn conference (W 15-3)

The Knights were then in action at New Auburn, where they again claimed a 15-3 victory. Junior Candice Spaeth earned her first varsity win on the mound, pitching six solid innings and only giving up three runs.

“We were able to move girls around to get valuable experience at other positions and give Brooke Anderson a break on the mound,” said Lorenzen.

On the offensive side, Anderson, Harycki and Turany all notched 3 hits, with Raether and sophomore Faith Heinzen each adding 2 hits. Close and freshman Kyleigh Mercer both had a hit for the Knights.

“We have a two-week stretch, with a ton of games coming up,” said Lorenzen. “We look to keep things rolling into this week and take care of business…and compete for second place in conference, on Friday, vs. Prairie Farm.”

The Knights’ record is now 5-4 overall and 4-2 in league play.