Girls drop tournament opener to Webster City

The season came to an end for the Clear Lake softball team Thursday, as they dropped their tournament opener to Webster City, 3-1.

The Lions, who were defeated twice by the Lynx during the regular season, came out swinging in the Class 4A 

post-season.  They put one run on the board in the first inning, but then the bats went cold.  Meanwhile, Webster City, ranked 12th, kept scraping away.  They scored single runs in the second, third and fourth innings for the lead. Two errors by the Lions in the game resulted in Lynx runs.

Lynx pitcher Kaitlyn Biere retired the final 16 batters she faced in the contest, ending up with eight strikeouts on the night. 

The Lions managed five hits in the game.  Seniors Megan Loux, Hannah Bartlett, Kaitlyn Pitzen and Annie Snyder, along with freshman Erin O’Tool, had hits. Snyder’s hit brought Bartlett home.

Lions pitcher Sara Barlow pitched a complete game, striking out one and walking one. She gave up seven hits.  Two of Webster City’s runs were earned.

Despite the loss, Coach Megan Young and the Lions took pride in the gains the 2013 team made in the program.  Clear Lake’s earlier losses to Webster City were both shutouts, 13-0 and 8-0.  And this year’s 10-17 record includes eight more wins than the Lions earned in 2012.

“This absolutely shows that their hard work paid off,” said Young.  She acknowledged the leadership and contributions of the six seniors on the team.  Megan Loux, Sara Barlow, Annie Snyder, Kaitlyn Pitzen, Hannah Bartlett and Jenna Peterson concluded their Lions softball careers.

“There is absolute potential for next year and we are already planning for the off-season,” added Young.  “We’re excited about the future.”

Webster City advanced to play Ballard Saturday in Class 4A Region 2.  The Lynx were upset, 4-1.  Ballard moved on to face Waverly-Shell Rock, 6-2 winners over Decorah, in a game scheduled for Tuesday night, July 16.  Results of that game were not available at press time.