Miserable start to the season for CL softball team

Central Springs gave the Clear Lake girls softball team a rough start to the 2013 season, walloping the Lions 17-1 in three rainy and cold innings played Wednesday, May 22.

The Lions fielded a young and relatively inexperienced squad.  A number of returning letter winners did not play because they are still active in spring sports, including soccer and golf.  The Lions’ varsity roster features six eighth and ninth graders.

“The girls played hard and we are proud of their efforts.  It was a great learning experience for the younger girls playing up on varsity and we look to improve on the upcoming games,” said first year Head Coach Megan Young.  She is assisted this year by JV coach Austin Peterson, with additional help from Katie Tecklenburg and Megan Hallberg.

The Lions scattered six hits off pitcher Kaitlyn Faught.  

Seniors Kaitlyn Pitzen, Jenna Peterson and Sara Barlow all had singles.  Sophomore Michaela Ouverson also had a hit, as well as eighth graders Michaela Niles and Kiersten Baalson.  Niles earned an RBI and also had a stolen base in the game.

Barlow took the loss on the mound, giving up six hits and walking seven.  Six runs were earned.

The Panthers scored in six runs in the first and second innings and finished the game off in the third with five more runs.