Gessert dominates in game one; Cyclones drop game two in extras

Junior Jenna Gessert got the ball to start game one of a doubleheader against the Clarinda Cardinals Thursday. She struck out seven batters and gave up six hits. The offense supported her with a few runs, and it was all she needed as the Cyclones won, 2-1.

“Jenna threw well,” said HCHS Head Softball Coach Toshia Kasperbauer. “She had them out on their front foot, so they were not able to get the line drives.”

The Cyclones got on the board right away as senior Jordan Heese connected for a RBI single to center field.

“Jordan bats in the cleanup spot for us, so that is what her job is,” Coach Kasperbauer said. “We are hoping to get one to two of our first three batters on, and then Jordan can do her job. As long as she stays off the high pitches, we can get some hard hits out of her.”

In game two, eighth grader Lauren Schmitz got the ball. Schmitz coming into this outing had just 2/3 of an inning pitched on the season. She threw two scoreless innings, then the Cardinals’ bats came alive as they dropped a three spot on them in the fourth and sixth innings. The Cardinals went on to win in extra innings, 11-9.

With this split, it puts the Cyclones record at 15-15. They will have almost a week off as they get ready for the Class 3A-Region 2 Quarterfinal playoff game against the OABCIG Falcons (2-13), Wednesday at 7 p.m. at home.

“Every team’s record is 0-0,” she said. “We have to be focused going into this game. We will need to put runs on the board and play tough defense.”

Cyclone Senior Tianna Kasperbauer is done pitching for the remainder of the season due to a cast on her throwing hand. Gessert will pitch Wednesday for the Cyclones.