Lake City Sweeps To Softball Title
In a Thursday doubleheader that decided not only the Inland Empire League softball season title but also city bragging rights, the Lake City Timberwolves swept visiting Coeur d’Alene High 4-0 and 11-2.
“We knew we had to win today and we came out really determined and ready to play,” said LC senior Laura Tolzmann.
The T-Wolves’ preparation was evident in the opening game as they ran off three runs in the first inning. Three runs were more than enough for LC pitcher Courtney Zimmerman, who took control on her way to the complete-game shutout.
“Zimmerman’s always had a good curve, but during the (off) week (caused by rain), we were able to develop a drop ball that really made her tough to hit,” said LC coach Dwight Wilson.
Zimmerman’s dominance was most evident in the third, when she struck out the side, and in the fourth and fifth, when she stranded two Vikings each time.
Besides stranding runners, the Vikings’ biggest problem in both games was defense. Three of the four runs in the first game were unearned and it got even worse in game two.
The Vikings committed seven second-game errors to allow LC to roll.
The Vikings got out to a quick start in the nightcap, putting up two runs in the first off LC pitcher Amber Barnes. The momentum quickly swung back in the bottom of the first, as Tolzmann drove in a run and came around to score on a Lindsay Herbert double. Herbert would also score in the inning to give LC a 4-2 advantage.
Barnes settled down and didn’t allow another run while the T-Wolves, 14-4 overall and 11-2 in league, rocked Vikings pitcher Christie Babcock. CdA errors didn’t help.
“It was disappointing for our defense to fall apart, because we’ve been playing really well,” said Vikings coach Larry Bieber.
Now the teams prepare for the A-1 Region 1 Tournament next week. Both teams will host first-round games.
“This win will build confidence and keep us going throughout the playoffs,” Tolzmann said.
Bieber said the Vikings (13-10, 11-4) will be ready for their first-round game, but will concentrate on defense and baserunning in practice.
Wilson was extremely pleased with the T-Wolves’ effort and likes his team’s chances in the playoffs.
“We’ve got a lot of leg speed, a good attitude and some hot bats right now,” Wilson said.
The teams may meet again this season. A pair of wins in the playoffs will mean another matchup at Lake City that will decide who is going to the state tournament.