Fourth-ranked (3A) Mount Vernon softball lost more games last week than it had the first three weeks of the season.
But a loaded schedule also provided some chances for iron to sharpen iron, as the old saying goes.
“We go out and play the toughest competition so we are prepared for postseason,” Mount Vernon coach Robin Brand said. “We could play an easier schedule, but that doesn’t make us better.
“We play against teams that will push us to make us better, so we can be at our best at the end of the season.”
On Monday, June 10, No. 14 (4A) Clear Creek Amana took a pair of games at Van Metre Family Softball Complex. The Clippers won, 8-4 and 6-3.
The Mustangs had six hits in the first game, including a double by Kenna Rollinger. Hayden Gookin gave up eight runs, but only two earned runs.
In the second game, Hayden Gookin hit a home run. Olivia Haverback took the pitching loss, giving up six runs, but just two earned runs.
Mount Vernon bounced back with a non-conference win over Mid-Prairie, 3-0, on Tuesday, June 11. Hayden Gookin pitched a 1-hitter, striking out 10. Addison Gookin led the offense with a double and triple.
Next up was a showdown with the No. 1 team in 3A, Williamsburg. The Raiders won 7-1 and 11-9 at Jim Turner Field in Williamsburg.
“Gosh,” Brand said. “That was a good opportunity and gave us some things we need to learn. A loss is a learning opportunity.”
The Mustangs capped off their week with a trip to the Kiwanis Tournament in Roland-Story. They went 3-1, with the lone loss coming at the hands of Class 4A No. 1 North Polk, 3-0.
Otherwise, Mount Vernon beat No. 15 (4A) Gilbert, 2-0; Perry, 9-6; and Nevada, 3-2.
“You’ve got to play against the best to be the best,” Brand said. “I’m super-proud of our girls. Our players bring it every day.”
And despite being swept twice in WaMaC action, the Mustangs are still in a three-way tie for the East Division lead, as of Monday, June 17, morning. MV, Marion and Solon are all 8-6 in league play, CPU is 7-7.
“We’ve got the top teams in the state in one conference,” Brand said. “It doesn’t give you a night off.”