The Iowa Lakes Community College Softball team had a tough task in front of them today, as they took on two national qualifiers from last year's tournament. The Lakers dropped game one to South Suburban 12-5 and then bounced back to beat Jackson College 9-8. The Iowa Lakes Softball team is now 7-5 overall.
GAME 1: 12 (SSC), 6 (ILCC)
Abby Burgess led off the game with a single and then advanced to second on a passed ball. She then scampered to third base on a South Suburban error off the bat of Katelyn Hamm. Taylor Larson pushed the first run across the plate on an RBI groundout from Taylor Larson. Back-to-back walks from Ally Davis and Avery Somers loaded the bases, which allowed Hamm to score on a wild pitch. South Suburban countered with three runs of their own on a walk, single, and homerun.
Iowa Lakes tied things up in the second when Brooklyn Bode singled to center. She stole second and then advanced to third on a wild pitch. Myla Murphy then walked to put runners on the corner. Murphy drew a throw to second on her steal, which allowed Bode to score from third. Unfortunately, the Lakers gave up four runs in the bottom of the inning on one walk, one Laker error, and three homeruns.
The Lakers continued to fight with a three-run inning of their own in the third. Somers led off the inning with a single and then advanced to third on an error off the bat of Alyvia Jensen. With one out, Bode brought Somers home on an RBI groundout to third base. Burgess then drove a ball up the middle, scoring Jensen. Murphy followed this with a walk and then Burgess came around to score on a Hamm single to center.
The score remained 8-6 until South Suburban scored four runs in the seventh on two walks, a Laker error, and an RBI groundout.
Abby Burgess was the leader at the plate for the Lakers in the game. She was 2-4 with two runs scored, one RBI, and one stolen base. Katelyn Hamm was also 2-4 with a run scored, a run batted in, and a stolen base. All three pitchers saw innings in this game, with the heavy lifting going to Jolene Jordahl. She pitched 3.2 innings, allowing six runs, three earned on eight hits and one walk, while striking out one. Taylor Larson took the loss for the Lakers, going 1.1 innings and allowing four earned runs on four hits, one walk, and one strikeout. Tatiyana Schack threw one inning, allowing two runs, one earned on two walks and one hit.
GAME 2: 9 (ILCC), 8 (JCC)
The Lakers were determined to get on top and stay on top in game two. The first inning saw Burgess lead off with a walk. She then stole second and advanced to third on a single from Murphy. Murphy stole and both runners advanced on a single from Hamm, scoring Burgess. Hamm then put herself in scoring position by stealing second. Both runners then scored on Larson's single up the middle.
With the Lakers up 3-0, they added to their lead in the second when Bode singled and then scored on Burgess' homerun to left. The Lakers weren't done yet, scoring one more run in the inning. Larson got a two out single and then advanced to second on a Somer's single. Larson then scored on a Madison Goosmann double to right center.
Jackson was able to score five runs in the third inning on three singles, one double, and two homeruns. The Lakers pushed back right away, putting up three runs in their half inning. Alayna Leighton led off with a double to left center and advanced to third on a Bode groundout. Burgess was hit by a pitch to put runners on the corner. Alexis Cullinane then stepped up and doubled off the fence, scoring both runners and giving the Lakers an 8-5 lead. Larson followed with a double of her own to score Cullinane.
Jackson chipped away at the lead, scoring one run in the fourth on one walk and one hit. They scored two more runs in the sixth on three hits. The Lakers defense held up in the seventh, stopping the Jackson threat. Larson was able to get the first out of the inning on a groundout to Goosmann at first. Jackson was able to put some pressure on the Lakers with a one out single, but Larson quickly shut that down with two line outs to Leighton at second.
Taylor Larson picked up the win. She pitched all seven innings, allowing eight runs, six earned, on ten hits and one walk, while striking out four. Larson was also 3-4 in the game, driving in three of her teammates. Myla Murphy was 2-3, while Madison Goosman added two hits of her own.
The Lakers will return to play on Sunday, March 10th against #1 Parkland Community College. Games times are set for 12:30 and 3:00 PM EST.
Photo ID: Picture of Taylor Larson pitching attached.
MEDIA: For more information, please contact Head Softball Coach, Katie King at (712) 362-8367 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-792