Coach Jay Babb likes what he’s seeing from the Malcolm softball co-op with Lincoln Lutheran.
The Clippers were 3-2 this past week, including a 2-1 performance at the Tekamah-Herman Invite Sept. 5.
In early games, Babb said, he was pleased to see the team battle opponents like Norris and Blue River to one-run margins, despite not playing a complete game.
“Ralston was probably the game that turned the corner for us,” he said. “They understand how important intensity, enthusiasm and engagement means.”
Malcolm opened the week with a 4-1 loss to Ralston Sept. 1. Morgan Tiedeman and Kya Bratrsovsky were both 2-4, and Kaylee Christensen drove in the team’s run.
On Sept. 3, the Clippers were to play a triangular with Freeman and Milford, but because of the heat it changed to a single game. Malcolm defeated Freeman 19-11, scoring 13 runs in the third inning.
Tiedeman was 4-5 and scored four runs. Mackenzie Weseman was 3-4 with a double, two triples and five RBIs. Baylee Parr, Karli Farritor and Jordy Small had two hits each, and Avery Klink drove in three.
At Tekamah-Herman Sept. 5, a two-run rally in the sixth innings wasn’t enough against Lakeview, which held on 4-3. Abby Precht and Tiedeman each hit doubles for Malcolm.
The Clippers came back with an 8-0 win over the host Tigers, led by a 3-3 game from Bratrsovsky. Weseman was 2-3 with two home runs and three RBIs. Elizabeth DeFreece struck out six in the circle.
In the final game of the tournament, Malcolm beat Omaha Mercy 9-7. Tiedeman was 3-3 with a double, triple and three RBIs from the lead-off spot. Kaylee Christensen struck out six in five innings.
Overall, Babb said, the two schools are meshing well as a team.
“The co-op has been fantastic. The players are creating a great environment. We are still working with new players on the game as we coach, but that is a repeat of every year. Losing five seniors always takes its toll,” he said.
Right now, the Clippers are focusing on the details, “increasing our softball IQ, so to speak,” Babb said.
Tiedeman has been playing phenomenal defense at shortstop, and Weseman has provided a big bat in the No. 4 position in the batting order, which Malcolm hasn’t had for a few years, Babb said.
Weseman currently leads the team with 19 hits, five doubles, two triples, four home runs and 19 RBIs.
The Clippers (6-7) lost to Beatrice 20-3 Sept. 8, travel to Central City Thursday, Sept. 10, and visit Raymond Central for a tournament Saturday, Sept. 12.
