That’s been the main message from BCLUW softball in a frustrating, difficult 2021 season. The Comets have no seniors on the roster and not a lot of varsity experience to lean on. The result is a now 0-14 record after an 0-3 showing at the annual Dave Lee Classic.

Sumner-Fredericksburg 4, BCLUW 2

The first game on Saturday for the Comets was against the Class 3A Sumner-Fredericksburg Cougars. The Cougars came into the game with a winning record, but it was BCLUW who got on board in the bottom of the first. The Comets held a 1-0 lead through the second inning and starting pitcher Klayre Gallentine was in a solid rhythm.

In the top of the third, S-F scored two runs to turn the game around and take a 2-1 lead. This started a difficult stretch at the plate for BCLUW, as for three straight innings the Comets went down in order to end the inning.

T-R PHOTO BY NOAH ROHLFING - BCLUW left fielder Kaylee Grant snares a looping line drive for the catch during the Comets’ game against Sumner-Fredericksburg on Saturday in Conrad.

The Cougars added insurance runs in the fourth and fifth innings, putting things seemingly out of reach for the Comets. But in the bottom of the sixth inning, the Comets fought back and brought in a run to cut the gap to 4-2. Yantis was pleased with the fight BCLUW showed to creep back into the game. Freshman Callie Swanson had the only RBI of the game for the Comets, while Kaylee Grant and Emma Hoover scored the team’s two runs.

The game was pretty similar to the Comets’ loss Friday night against Marshalltown, head coach Megan Yantis said.

“We’re just gonna have to start building on that,” Yantis said. “It was good to see is that [mindset], ‘Hey, one run is not enough, we’re gonna get another one.'”

Maleah Jones had two of the Comets’ five hits in the loss, while Grant, Swenson and Eden Wilson also hit singles.

Gallentine allowed just five hits but four runs and three walks while striking out two.

T-R PHOTO BY NOAH ROHLFING

Cedar Falls 11, BCLUW 1

A second Class 5A opponent presented a huge test for the Comets to end their weekend. The Tigers (6-11) were held scoreless by starting pitcher Katie Hill in the first inning, continuing her decent form from Friday’s loss to Marshalltown. But in the second, the Tigers broke through and scored the first run of the game. This let loose a small trickle of runs for the Tigers, scoring two each in the third and fourth innings. BCLUW scored one run in the fourth inning — scored by eighth-grader Raegan Crawford — and was only able to muster three hits all game long.

In the fifth inning, Cedar Falls scored six runs and pushed the lead to 11-1, hitting the 10-run rule mark to finish off the game. Defensive errors played a role, as the Comets had seven errors over the course of the ballgame.

Hoover, Grant and Cassie Nason had BCLUW’s only hits in the game. Hill allowed just five hits and two walks, but eight of the Tigers’ 11 runs came unearned.

Looking back on the weekend as a whole, Yantis said there were real signs of progress — but cautioned that the Comets still have space to grow.

“I look from last weekend to this weekend,” Yantis said. “We’re playing some good competition, but we competed this weekend. It was nice to see that little flip of the switch of, ‘Hey, this is what we’re supposed to be doing.'”

The Comets play Tuesday at home against Gladbrook-Reinbeck.

2021 Dave Lee Classic

Friday’s Scores

Gilbert 12, Sumner-Fredericksburg 4

Cedar Falls 5, Ames 1

Marshalltown 7, BCLUW 4, 8 innings

South Hardin 4, Central DeWitt 2

Saturday’s Games

Sumner-Fredericksburg 4, BCLUW 2

South Hardin 4, Cedar Falls 2

Ames 12, Marshalltown 0, 4 innings

Central DeWitt 11, Gilbert 7

Cedar Falls 11, BCLUW 1, 5 innings

South Hardin 10, Sumner-Fredericksburg 0

Gilbert 12, Marshalltown 1, 5 innings

Ames 3, Central DeWitt 2