HCHS moves one step closer to state, eyes ‘21 improvement
HARLAN -- The Harlan Community softball team took another step forward in 2020, but also found there’s still work to be done to achieve its ultimate goal.
Returning nearly the entire roster from a successful 2019 campaign, the Cyclones finished 15-5 in a COVID-19 shortened summer, placed second in the Hawkeye Ten at 8-2 and played in the program’s first regional final since 2013 - all without one senior on the roster.
The season ended abruptly, however, when a combination of misfortune resulted in a 12-0, three-inning loss to top-ranked and eventual state runner-up Carlisle in the Class 4A, Region 4 final.
While HCHS has certainly taken care of business against the teams it was supposed to beat the last two years, the next step for what will be a highly-experienced group next season will be to contend better with and rise up to beat a team like Fort Dodge, Dallas Center-Grimes or Carlisle.
Toshia Kasperbauer, who returned for her second stint as the Cyclones’ head coach this season - she previously held the job in 2011-2012 - says that an active off-season will be key if the team is going to get over the hump in 2021 and qualify for its first state tournament since 2010.
“The girls are going to have to put in a lot of hard work in the off-season to up their game,” she said. “This not only includes softball related work, but also getting stronger in the weight room. We have to get faster with our delivery on the field and we have to get more aggressive at the plate. These girls know what they want so I believe they will give that extra to get (it).”
The Cyclones batted .303 as a team this year, led by Kate Heithoff (.356), Julia Schechinger (.348, 17 runs), Jordan Heese (.346) and Emily Brouse (.333, four home runs, 16 RBI). Three other starters batted over .280.
HCHS averaged nearly six runs per game overall but struggled to score against the elite teams and drew only 30 walks in 20 games.
The Cyclones replaced last year’s ace pitcher Morgan Schaben with an effective one-two punch of junior Emily Brouse and sophomore Tianna Kasperbauer, who split the pitching duties on most nights.
Brouse, the harder-throwing hurler of the two, struck out 119 batters in 69 and two-thirds innings, going 9-4 with five saves and a 2.11 ERA. Kasperbauer, who relies more on off-speed pitches, finished 6-1 with four saves and a 1.72 ERA, striking out 63 in 57 frames.
2020 Cyclone Softball Results
HCHS 4, CB St. Albert 0
HCHS 10, Kuemper Catholic 0
HCHS 3, Glenwood 0 (5 - rain)
Fort Dodge Tourney
HCHS 3, Sioux City East 0
HCHS 7, Bishop Heelan 6
Fort Dodge 12, HCHS 0 (6)
HCHS 4, Denison-Schleswig 2
HCHS 8, Lewis Central 3
HCHS 7, CB Abraham Lincoln 0
HCHS 11, Shenandoah 1 (5)
Atlantic 2, HCHS 1 (8)
HCHS 11, Clarinda 0 (5)
HCHS 4, Logan-Magnolia 3 (8)
HCHS 8, Red Oak 1
Creston 11, HCHS 8
Dallas Center-Grimes 11, HCHS 0 (5)
HCHS 11, Denison-Schleswig 3
HCHS 9, CB Thomas Jefferson 2
Class 4A Regional Tourney
HCHS 6, Lewis Central 1
Carlisle 12, HCHS 0 (3)