Iola High’s softball saw a 1-0 lead turn into a 2-1 loss with a fourth-inning home run. Despite the setback, IHS head coach Chris Weide sees plenty of reason for optimism.
CHANUTE — Everything was going according to script to open the 2022.
Iola High’s softball team was nursing a 1-0 lead through 3 ½ innings against rival Chanute Friday.
But the tone changed in a matter of two pitches, the second of which turned into a two-run home run by Chanute’s Kamri Naff.
That was all the Blue Comets needed, as Naff — who also pitched for Chanute — kept Iola’s offense in check from there in a 2-1 Blue Comet win.
“That was a really good softball game against a really good team that’s gonna win a lot of games in the SEK League,” Iola head coach Chris Weide said. “We’re gonna win a lot of games in the Pioneer League. We just came up short today.”
The game was a classic pitchers duel between Naff and Iola’s Reece Murry, who struck out eight while limiting the Blue Comets to three hits.
“Reece pitched good,” Weide said. “She battled the whole night. Batters 1-9 they’re a pretty good lineup. Not like you could take any batters off. She hit spots the whole night.”
Weide also credited Murry’s work with catcher Chloe Sell, who provided sterling defense in the outfield last season, but was asked to move behind the plate.
“She’s caught Reece a few times in the past, and in practice. But this was their first varsity game together, and they worked well. They’re gonna be a really good team.”
Leadoff batter Aysha Houk got things off on the right foot by ripping the second pitch of the game a double. She moved to third on a ground ball, and then stole home with one out for a 1-0 lead.
Maci Miller singled later in the inning, but that was all Iola could push across against Naff, who struck out 10 in her complete game victory.
Still, Weide was pleased with how Iola competed.
“She’s a good pitcher who shut us out last year,” Weide said. “I was a little bit nervous with the bats, but they battled and put the ball in play.”
Twice in the latter innings, sterling Blue Comet defense plays in the outfield kept Iola runners off base.
“It’s not exciting to lose, but I think we’re gonna be OK,” Weide said.
Iola is slated to visit Burlington Tuesday before hosting Chanute in one game Friday.
