HCHS continues making strides toward .500 mark

 HARLAN -- Sometimes it’s hard to see the forest through the trees, but the Harlan Community softball team made definite strides overall during 2018.
 While the Cyclones are still in search of their first postseason victory during Brooke Schaben’s three-year head coaching tenure, the roster is still young as a whole and the numbers are trending in the right direction.
 With five of its top eight hitters still freshmen or eighth-graders, HCHS improved its overall record to 15-17 this season (compared to 12-22 a year ago) and moved up two spots in the Hawkeye Ten Conference standings to fifth place at 12-8. The season ended with a 2-0 loss at Glenwood in the first round of Class 4A regionals.
 Compared to last year, the Cyclones’ biggest improvements were made in the pitching and fielding departments, led by junior ace Morgan Schaben (10-11, 2.44 ERA).
 Harlan’s team earned run average improved from 3.86 to 2.99, team WHIP (walks + hits per inning) went from 1.52 to 1.32 and opponents’ batting average dropped from .239 to .214. HCHS also issued 19 fewer free passes (walks and hit batters) compared to 2017.
 The fielding numbers also got better as total errors decreased from 66 to 50 and unearned runs divided in half from 76 to 38 in just two fewer games.
 The offensive gains were marginal but worth noting as team batting average (.290), on-base percentage (.364) and slugging (.402) all improved, the home run total more than doubled to 13 and the Cyclones struck out 62 fewer times than last year.