The #2 (1A) Clarksville softball will host familiar Iowa Star Conference North foe, Janesville in a Class 1A Region 2 semifinal on Saturday. The game was originally scheduled for Friday, but was moved back due to rain.
Clarksville (26-4) advanced to the rematch with a 4-1 win over Saint Ansgar on Wednesday. It was the 17th time this season the Indians held an opponent to one run or less. Sydney Lovrien had four strikeouts, did not allow an earned run in the complete game and added two RBIs in the win over the Saints. Paige Kampman with 49 RBIs and Hannah Wangsness with 39 RBIs provided some pop in the batting order. Head Coach Katie Burman on the playoff mindset she is looking for from the team.
“Stay calm and play our game. We’re definitely not overlooking anybody. We’re taking it one game at a time,” says Burman. “This time of year anybody can beat anybody, but we’re trying to get the mindset in our heads that nobody beats us. Playing our game and looking one game at a time, not looking ahead.”
Janesville (15-11) advanced with a 6-1 win over West Central on Wednesday. Zoey Barnes in the circle pitched a complete game with no earned runs and 11 strikeouts in win over the Blue Devils. Dani Hughes is batting .353 with 28 RBIs to lead the Wildcat bats.
Clarksville is 2-0 against the Wildcats this season with a 19-4 win on May 28 and 5-0 win on June 23.
First pitch will be at 5:00 p.m. in Volunteer Park. The winner will advance to face either Kee or Riceville in a regional final on Monday.
