Cyclones get mauled by Tigers

The early struggles continue for the HCHS varsity softball team dropping their third consecutive game to open the season against the ADM Tigers via the mercy rule, 10-0.

“Last week was a tough week,” said Cyclones Head Coach Brandi Eckles. “Although I believe the girls are capable of rising to the occasion in every game, it wasn’t anything I didn’t expect. At this point, we don’t have the depth to be able to heavily compete with rated 4A teams. As the week went on, I saw a lot of great things emerge.”

Jenna Gessert got the ball for the Cyclones pitching all five innings and added two hits.

Junior Tiger Cameran Smith got the ball pitching five innings, striking out five batters while giving up only two hits and three walks.

“Our at bats are only going to continue to get better,” Eckles said. “ We’ve got some girls gaining some confidence. One thing I like to see as a coach is aggressive hitters, don’t let those strikes go by.”

The Cyclones will return home Tuesday night for a doubleheader against the 1-1 Creston Panthers. Last season, the Panthers went 25-5, making it to the Class 4A – Region 2 Semifinal game against the Glenwood Rams, losing 5-3.

They were led by Nevaeh Randall with 47 hits and 43 runs batted in. Keely Coen had 13 wins and Taryn Fredrickson led the team in earned run average 2.12 with 90 strikeouts in 92 1/3 innings pitched.

“Creston is a tough team to beat, but I know these girls are more than capable,” Eckles said. “They just have to know it as well.”