Knights trying to keep the momentum going

By Ginna Young

Things are looking good for the Cornell-Lake Holcombe softball program, as they wait for the playoffs to begin.

May 13 vs. Clear Lake conference (W 8-7)

The Knights were off to Clear Lake, to begin the week in what ended up as a battle for the victory.

“We struggled to get our energy up early in the game, but were able to put together one good inning,” said coach Andy Lorenzen. “We struggled offensively, stranding 14 runners in scoring position.”

Despite that, the Knights hung on and took an 8-7 win home with them.

“A win is a win, no matter what it looks like, was the story of last night,” said Lorenzen.

On the mound for the Knights, was senior Candice Spaeth, who went seven innings, giving up 6 hits and 7 runs, while striking out 4 batters.

Richelle Raether, Cornell-Lake Holcombe senior, connected on a pitch from Prairie Farm, May 8, while the Knights were at home. Offensively, seniors Izzy Schwingle and Alyssa Bowe, and sophomore Kyleigh Mercer each had 2 hits, with Spaeth, seniors Bralee Schroeder and Richelle Raether, junior Faith Heinzen and sophomore Chloe Irwin all adding a hit.

“We will need to improve our situational hitting in the next few weeks of the season,” said Lorenzen.

May 19 vs. New Auburn conference (W 12-1)

The Knights were then at New Auburn, where it was all one-sided in favor of the visitors. As a result, they went home with a 12-1 victory.

“We had a lot of tough breaks at the plate, along with some base running mistakes early in the game,” said Lorenzen. “However, we were able to put up seven runs in the sixth inning, to put the game out of reach.”

Spaeth was again at the helm, going six innings, allowing 2 hits and a run, and striking out 7.

Raether, Heinzen and Mercer all came up with 2 hits in the mix, while Schroeder, Spaeth, Bowe and freshman Andrea Friedman all added a hit.

“We look to keep the momentum going into our playoff game…” said Lorenzen.