The #2 (1A) Clarksville softball team will defend their home diamond as they begin Class 1A Region 2 playoffs against Saint Ansgar on Wednesday.
Clarksville (25-4) won seven of their final eight games entering the postseason, highlighted by wins over #7 (2A) West Fork and 4A’s Waverly Shell Rock. The Indians average 8.9 runs per game and hold opponents to an average of 2.9 runs per game. The duo of Emmalee Manwarren with a .532 avg and Paige Kampman with a .505 avg and team leading 49 RBIs help spark the Indians offense. Pitcher Sydney Lovrien has been locked in with a 1.64 ERA and 160 strikeouts.
Head Coach Katie Burman on what the Saints bring to the matchup and homefield advantage.
“I definitely think they’re a team that’s coming on and we’re definitely not taking them lightly at all. I know they have a couple pitchers that they can use and they’ve played some really good competition. Definitely not overlooking them,” says Burman. “We are excited to be able to have all home games if we keep winning. It’s huge for us because it’s our field, we’re used to it and we just have so much community support. The field will be packed for every game. It’s just nice to know their hard work throughout the season has really paid off this postseason. Hopefully we can make a good run.”
Saint Ansgar (10-18) won 5-3 over Turkey Valley in the first round on Monday to advance. The Saints facing a highly talented Top of Iowa East average 4.7 runs per game and allow an average of 7.2 runs per game. Josie Juhl leads the team in the circle with a 2.56 ERA and 62 strikeouts, and at the plate with 22 RBIs.
It will be the first meeting between the team since 2023.
First pitch will be at 7:00 p.m. at Volunteer Park in Clarksville. The winner will advance to a regional semifinal on Friday against either Janesville or West Central.
