Knights have begun firing with all cylinders

By Ginna Young

Things are really coming together for the Cornell-Lake Holcombe softball program, after a slow start this spring.

April 15 vs. Prairie Farm conference (W 10-8)

The Knights were on the road at Prairie Farm, to begin the week’s match-ups, with neither team scoring in the first inning. Prairie Farm rectified that in the second inning, putting three runs on the board.

Cornell-Lake Holcombe answered back in the next inning, with five runs, but the Panthers added another run in their side of the inning, while the Knights had another run cross the plate in the fourth inning, to make the game 6-4 in their favor. The Knights added another four runs in the fifth inning, to go up 10-4, but Prairie Farm wasn’t done and knocked in two more runs in each of the next two innings.

It wasn’t enough and the Knights walked away with the win, 10-8.

“We are finally starting to put complete games together, with consistent pitching, defense and productive atbats,” said coach Andy Lorenzen.

On the mound for the Knights, was senior Candice Spaeth, who went all seven innings, allowing 7 hits, 8 runs and 4 walks, while striking out 2 batters.

Offensively for the Knights, senior Richelle Raether had 3 hits, while senior Izzy Schwingle, junior Faith Heinzen and sophomore Kyleigh Mercer all came up with 2 hits each. Senior Bralee Schroeder and sophomore Chloe Irwin each added a hit.

“There is still a ton of room for improvement, but it’s nice to get in the win column, to get things rolling,” said Lorenzen.

April 17 vs. Clear Lake conference (W 14-1)

A couple days later, they were at home, against Clear Lake, where, with the exception of a run by the visitors in the fifth inning, it was all Knights, taking the win, 14-1.

Spaeth was again on the mound, going five innings, with 4 hits, a single run and striking out 6.

Senior Alyssa Bowe, Heinzen and Schroeder all walked away with 2 hits, while Schwingle and Irwin each had a hit.

“We are starting to put all the pieces together and playing complete games in all the phases,”said Lorenzen.

April 21 vs. New Auburn conference (W 10-0)

After a weekend off, the Knights then hosted New Auburn, where again, it was no contest and the home team claimed a 10-0 victory.

“We are starting to fire on all cylinders,” said Lorenzen. “We are making routine plays, our pitchers are throwing strikes and we are starting to put together productive atbats. Now, we need the less experienced players to start soaking it in, and grow and develop.”

Spaeth again took the mound, going all five innings and allowing just 3 hits, and striking out 5 batters.

Raether, Schroeder, Irwin and Mercer all added a hit in the win.

“The next two games will challenge us and we will see where we actually stand,” said Lorenzen.