February 02, 2025

Clarke softball improves to 6-2

By SCOTT VICKER

S-T photo by SCOTT VICKER Clarke center fielder Kimber Gibbs stretches out to make a catch in the top of the second inning against Wayne on May 30. Clarke won the game 10-0 in five innings.

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Clarke softball improved to 6-2 over the past week, with victories over Wayne, Williamsburg, Southeast Warren and Chariton.

The Lady Indians lost to Carlisle at the Bondurant Tournament.

Clarke started its week with a 10-0 victory over Wayne.

Devon Carson hit a pinch hit grand slam home run to highlight the victory for the Lady Indians. Junior Ashley Gibbs went 2-for-3 in the game with a double and three runs batted in. Kassidy Spurgin also hit a home run for the Lady Indians, as she was 1-2 with one RBI.

Sophomore Libby Bemis picked up the victory for Clarke, throwing all five innings and allowing just three hits while striking out five.

The Lady Indians then participated in the Bondurant Tournament on June 1.

Clarke opened the tournament with a 12-5 loss to Carlisle.

“I have wanted to play Carlisle since I came back here to coach, so I was excited to get to play them,” head coach Lindsay Diehl said.

Carlisle jumped out to an early 3-0 lead before Clarke got on the board with a Gibbs RBI single.

The Lady Indians got things rolling in the fourth inning, when Cydney Hembry walked followed by a Carley Robins single. Spurgin then reached base on an error to load the bases.

Bemis came up to the plate and hit a grand slam home run, giving Clarke a 5-3 lead after four innings.

But Carlisle came back strong in the fifth and sixth innings to take the 12-5 victory.

“I’m happy with the way the kids played,” Diehl said. “I shared with them before the game that we came out ranked No. 11 and they have earned some respect in the state, and they can’t be afraid of anyone. They played with confidence and anytime you can be in a good game against Carlisle, you are doing something right.”

Clarke knocked off Williamsburg 10-9 in nine innings in the next game, despite falling behind 7-2.

The Lady Indians used a five-run bottom of the seventh inning to send it to extras.

Clarke won in the international tiebreaker with Robins on second, who moved to third on a passed ball and Spurgin drover her in with a single up the middle.

Bemis was 3-4 in the game, and Spurgin was 2-4 with three RBI.

Next, Clarke defeated Southeast Warren 6-1. Sarah Pate was 3-4 in the game with a single, double and home run with two RBI. Amanda Kindred was 2-3 with a single and a double, and McKenzie Otto was 2-3 with four stolen bases.

The Lady Indians traveled to Chariton Monday and came back with a 13-3 win in five innings.

Carrie Kindred pitched for Clarke, allowing six hits and one walk while striking out three. All three Chariton runs came on a three-run home run in the third inning.

Eight of nine Clarke batters tallied a hit, totaling 14 for the game.

Gibbs was 2-4 with three RBI. Pate went 2-4 and Danielle McIntosh was 2-4 with a three-run home run and four total RBI. Spurgin was 2-3 with a triple and Kimber Gibbs was 2-3 with two RBI.

“A year ago, Chariton came to our place and run ruled us, and it felt good to open up conference play with a good win on the road,” Diehl said.