The #10 (1A) Clarksville softball team has had a strong start to its season, including some dominant outings in the last week. They’ve begun the season with an experienced hitting lineup and a new varsity pitcher.
After appearing in eight games last year, sophomore Sydney Lovrien has taken over as the starting pitcher. Head Coach Katie Burman says it’s a rare opportunity in recent program history for an underclassman.
“She pitched her best game against Don Bosco last week, and she’s really starting to figure it out,” Burman says. “Also, it’s the first time in five years that we haven’t had a junior or senior pitching for us. So also just trying to figure out the leadership on that end. And Sydne y’s really filling that spot well for us. And we’ve also had Eve Jordan, an eighth grader, come in and close some games and play some games in some tournaments for us. So I think pitching wise, we’re starting to figure it out.”
In Wednesday’s 7-1 win over Don Bosco, Lovrien gave up three hits with nine strikeouts and one walk. She has compiled a 2.02 ERA with an impressive 6:1 strikeout to walk ratio.
A powerful batting lineup has put together one of the better offenses in Class 1A. The Indians rank 11th in the class in team batting average. Numerous players with varsity experience have led the way, including Claire Lodge and Emmalee Manwarren, who have both batted over .500 for the season.
A year after appearing in the 1A semifinals, Burman says a tough strength of schedule was a priority.
“Last year we had a really, really good record, but we didn’t really challenge ourselves until we got closer to state. And so this year, that was a big goal for me, to really strengthen our schedule. That Dubuque Wahlert game, North Linn, we got Wapsie, Central Springs, and Collins-Maxwell again. The Fort Dodge tournament, I know first round we play Ankeny in that. So we’ve got some really, really big competition. And I think that’s going to help us so much in the postseason to see good hitting teams and good pitching before we get to state.”
The Indians will play at #1 (3A) Wahlert Catholic Monday, followed two days later by hosting perennial power Collins-Maxwell. Ranked matchups with #9 (2A) Central Springs and a semifinal rematch with #4 (1A) North Linn also appear on the schedule. Possibly the toughest tests will be at a tournament in Fort Dodge, which will include some of Iowa’s best teams in all classes.
The Indians will compete at a tournament at North Fayette Valley Saturday. Monday’s game at Dubuque Wahlert will air on 99 The Wave at 4:00 p.m.
Katie Burman interview:
