March 29, 2024

Clarke softball finished week strong in Creston

By KALEB CARTER

OST sports editor kacarter@crestonnews.com

CRESTON — In the midst of what could have been a dark week that exposed flaws, the Clarke Lady Indians softball team instead shined bright, ending the week with a bang and wins over historically strong programs: 9-2 over Class 3A eighth-ranked Atlantic and 8-5 over Dallas Center-Grimes.

“I told them this schedule that we had this week, it’s the toughest week that we’re going to face all season long,” Clarke coach Lindsay Diehl said. “To be able to get through it and squeak out with some wins I was happy about it.”

After falling behind 2-0 to Atlantic, Clarke’s bats woke in the third with four runs. CeJay Blakely singled home two runs in the midst of a 2-for-4, three-RBI game.

Runs scored on consecutive plays as Chynna Beydler singled and Sarah Davis put the ball in play and it was booted at third base.

Kiaya Dunbar’s bunt scored a run and Emma Bolton executed a beautifully slowed down swing on Atlantic pitcher Ally Anderson’s changeup, as she punched the ball into the gap in left-center to clear the bases for an 8-2 lead. Blakely’s single later made it 9-2, the final.

Clarke wasn’t hitting the ball exceptionally hard, the hits just kept falling in where Trojans were not.

“We were finding holes and dropping things in,” Diehl acknowledged.

Hailee Fry executed well in her time in the circle, allowing six hits and two runs but did not give up a run after the second inning.

Clarke outlasts DCG

Even with a stronger performance from Fry, Diehl was fairly happy with Emma Bolton’s performance in the circle in the win over DCG.

Bolton surrendered a run in the third and four in the fourth, but Bolton made the necessary pitches to work out of further damage.

Sophomore Jayden Miller pitched the last inning to finish the Fillies off.

“To have two freshmen step up and get two wins today for us today against two good programs makes me feel good,” Diehl said.

A six-run third inning proved the difference for Clarke.

Sidney Marker and Bolton recorded singles in consecutive trips to the play to give Clarke a 2-1 lead.

Blakely followed by roping a double to score two more runs. That helped her to win player of the game honors namely for her three RBIs.

Clarke wound did enough to fend off the Fillies.

“We continue to talk about past experience plus knowledge equals confidence because that’s one thing we are really struggling with at the plate,” Diehl said. “I tell them I can see it in their body language, I can see it in their eyes when they step in there whether they feel like they’re going to get a hit or not. Stop thinking that you might get a hit or hoping you’re going to get a hit, know you’re going to put the ball in play.”