Le Mars softball picked up an important sweep in the MRAC taking down Council Bluffs AL on Tuesday night. The Bulldogs won game one by a final of 5-1 and won game two by a score of 7-3.
Both games were defined by the seventh inning for the Bulldog bats. Le Mars was up 2-1 entering the seventh in game one when they scored three more runs to secure their victory. Game two, the Bulldogs trailed 3-1 entering the sixth inning. The Bulldogs got one run back in the sixth and scored five runs while batting around in the seventh. Le Mars head coach Keely Steffen says, despite the slow start, her team was able to put together enough offensively to win both games.
The Bulldogs used their offensive prowess in more instances than just the final few innings. The Bulldogs were able to capitalize on the few opportunities that presented themselves. Coach Steffen says it’s important to do that to keep the pressure on their opponents.
In the circle, Lizzie Koonce returned to ace form like she has been the last few seasons. Game one saw the junior allow just one unearned run while striking out seven in the win. Game two saw her struggle midway through the game and having Kylie Hofmann finish off the game. Coach Steffen says Koonce’s leadership is extremely valuable in more ways than one.
Le Mars has now won seven in a row and is right in the thick of the race for an MRAC softball title this season. Coach Steffen says her team needs to be aware of opportunities coming their way down the stretch part of the season.
Le Mars improved to 17-8 overall and 14-4 in the MRAC. Council Bluffs AL fell to 8-16 and 6-12 in the MRAC.
