Comets come from behind to defeat Lions 14-7

By John Burbridge
sports@charlescitypress.com
CHARLES CITY — No longer graced with the luxury of an overpowering all-state pitcher, the Charles City Comets softball team is going to be forced to grind out more victories while — on occasion — playing from behind.

While hosting the Clear Lake Lions on Friday, the Comets found themselves in an uphill battle early when Clear Lake rallied in the first inning to go up 5-0.

But the Comets chipped away with 2 runs in the first, 2 more in the second, 4 in the third ahead of a decisive 6-run rally in the fifth to win going away, 14-7.

Sophomore Lydia Staudt had three hits, drove in 2 runs and scored twice for the Comets, who improved to 2-1 after losing to Crestwood on the road the Wednesday before.

Sophomore Ashlyn Hoeft had two hits and 3 RBIs, junior Kiki Connell had two hits and 2 runs scored, junior Allie Cross had two hits and 1 run scored, junior Sadie Gebel had two hits including a double, and freshman Ava Ellis had an RBI double for the Comets.

Comet junior Avery Merta got her first varsity starting assignment, and after a rough start, pitched shutout softball for the following three innings before Lion leadoff hitter Sara Faber touched her for a 2-run homer in the fifth inning.

Comet junior Dani Reetz came on in relief and yielded one hit and no runs in three innings.