C-M softball cruises past Belle Plaine, Colo-NESCO

COLFAX — A fast start and a season-high 13 runs propelled the Colfax-Mingo softball team to its first win of the season on Monday.

The Tigerhawks scored four runs in the opening inning and plated at least one run in all five frames during a 13-5 home win over Belle Plaine during South Iowa Cedar League action.

“I think we’re getting better every day, talking more and having fun with what we’re doing, which makes a big difference,” Colfax-Mingo head softball coach Jen Holtan said. “It feels good to get that first win. It’s about time.”

Colfax-Mingo out-hit the Lady Plainsmen 9-6 and won the game despite committing six errors.

It was the Tigerhawks’ first win over Belle Plaine since 2021. They led 4-0 after one inning then plated two in the second, five in the third and one each in the fourth and fifth.

“They want to be here, they are relaxing and not worrying as much,” Holtan said. “They’re doing a good job. They’re talking through things. They’re patient and working through it, too.”

Dakota Allen and Kinley Johannes both had two hits to lead the Tigerhawks. Allen added three runs and two RBIs and Johannes totaled one run, two RBIs and two walks.

Brianna Freerksen, Callie Rathje, Isabella Cushatt, Sydney Veasman and Katelyn Steenhoek all had one hit.

Rathje scored three runs, walked twice and stole one base, Cushatt scored one run, walked once and stole one base and Veasman walked twice, scored two runs and had one RBI.

Freerksen doubled and scored two runs, Steenhoek scored one run, walked twice and was hit by a pitch, Emma Cook walked once and was hit by a pitch and Brooklyn Yanske was hit by a pitch and totaled one RBI.

“We hit the ball better tonight,” Holtan said. “We are getting more confidence when we walk up to the plate, and that’s what it takes.”

Freerksen was the winning pitcher after allowing five runs — four earned — on four hits, one walk and one hit batter with four strikeouts in five innings.

Ava Grieder led Belle Plaine (0-15, 0-10) with two hits and two runs scored.

Colfax-Mingo 11, Colo-NESCO 1

MCCALLSBURG — Freerksen, Allen and Johannes all had two hits and a fast start powered the Tigerhawks to an 11-1 non-conference win over Colo-NESCO on Friday.

Colfax-Mingo led 1-0 after one and then plated two in the second, three in the third and five in the fourth to end the road game early.

Allen laced two doubles and scored one run, Johannes had two RBIs, one double and one run and Freerksen finished with one run, one RBI, one walk and one stolen base to lead the offense.

The Tigerhawks out-hit the Royals 10-2, and Colo-NESCO (3-10) committed six errors.

Veasman doubled, scored two runs and had one RBI, Cook finished with one hit and one RBI, Steenhoek walked once, scored two runs and totaled one RBI and Cushatt chipped in one hit and one run.

Rathje had the other hit and Brooklyn Yanske, Mia Frangopol and Londyn Alanis all scored one run.

Freerksen earned the pitching win after allowing no earned runs on two hits and one walk. She struck out five in four innings.

Landrey Harris had both of the Royals’ hits and scored the team’s only run.

BGM 7, Colfax-Mingo 2

BROOKLYN — The Tigerhawks had more errors (6) than hits (2) during a 7-2 loss to BGM on Wednesday.

Both Tigerhawk runs in the SICL contest came in the seventh inning, but the visitors were already down 7-0.

“We are very young. We have one senior and one junior,” Holtan said. “There’s lots of teaching, lots of talking through situations and when we mess up we talk about what we did wrong so we can fix it. We’re learning all the time.”

Freerksen had one hit and one run to lead the offense, while Yanske had the other hit and Rathje walked twice and scored one run. Johannes, Cushatt, Cook, Veasman and Ella Snyder each walked once.

Freerksen was the losing pitcher after surrendering seven runs — five earned — on 10 hits and she struck out three in six innings.

BGM (11-3, 7-2) was led by Emersyn Minnaert’s three hits, one homer and three RBIs.

Madrid 4, Colfax-Mingo 2

MADRID — A late rally from the Tigerhawks was not enough during a 4-2 loss to Madrid in the Tigers’ home tournament on June 7.

Rain wiped out the remaining games on the schedule, but C-M lost the non-conference game after falling behind 4-0.

Allen had two hits, one run, one RBI and two steals to lead the way, while Rathje added one hit and one run.

Johannes had the other hit and Yanske and Cushatt both walked once.

Yanske threw all six innings and allowed two earned runs on four hits, one walk and one hit batter. She struck out two and C-M committed three errors.

Madrid (2-7) limited the Tigerhawks to four hits. The Tigers scored once in the first, once in the second and twice in the third.

C-M, Baxter game suspended due to rain

BAXTER — The Bolts led Colfax-Mingo 4-2 in the fourth on Thursday when the game was delayed due to thunder and eventually suspended because of heavy rain.

The game will be picked up from where it left off if the two teams can find a matching make-up date.