Powered by a three-run top of the third, the Norwalk baseball team opened the 2023 season with a 4-2 win at Urbandale on Monday night. Earlier in the day, the Norwalk girls golf team closed out their regular season by placing fourth at the Ballard Invitational.

Baseball starts 1-0

The Warrior baseball squad picked up a rare win over the J-Hawks, building a 4-0 lead in the top of the fifth and holding off a rally. According to Varsity Bound, it was Norwalk’s first win over Urbandale in 13 tries since 2010.

Payton Nichols led the Warriors’ five-hit attack by going 2-for-3. CJ Davis had a single and two RBI while Jackson Campbell and Aidan Kane both added a single. The defense played error free behind senior starter DJ Harris and two relievers. Harris earned the win, allowing four hits in four scoreless innings, walking one and striking out three. Briley Purcell notched the save, pitching two hitless frames.

The Warriors are back in action tonight, hosting Waukee at 7:30.

Girls golfers place 4th

The Norwalk girls golfers finished fourth out of seven teams at the Ballard Country Club, shooting a 403. Senior Ruby Hoch paced the Warriors with a round of 95, good for eighth place. Calissa O’Connor carded an even 100 and Ava Garvey and Addie Smith both shot 104. Monday marked the first 18-hole event this year in which all six Norwalk girls shot 108 or better. Clear Lake, led by scores in the mid-70s by Meghan and Rebecca DeLong, won the tournament with a team score of 327.

The Warriors will be part of a 10-team field in Wednesday’s Class 4A Regional Tournament at Willow Creek Golf Course in West Des Moines. The top two teams and top six individuals (plus ties) will qualify for State.

Girls tennis aims for state berth

The Norwalk girls tennis team will put their unbeaten dual record on the line today in Class 2A Regional Tournament action at the Crossroads Park Tennis Courts in West Des Moines. The Warriors face Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln at 9:00 a.m. and the winner plays in the Region 4 final at 1:00 p.m.