The Knoxville Softball and Baseball Squad ventured to Osceola on Friday to play important conference games against Clarke. The softball squad erupted for eight runs in the 6th inning to blow open a close game and send everyone home an inning early in a 12-1 victory. The big blow was Ciara Heffron as she launched her second home run of the game, the later a three run shot in the decisive 6th. Heffron also got the win in relief. Coach Chris Peden tells KNIA/KRLS Sports he has faith in all of the pitchers, especially Heffron and Charlye Willis.

Peden: “Charlye has been at a very high level. You don’t throw ten innings and not be a good pitcher, and Ciara has been pitching very well. It really puts me at ease when I can just pick my poison.”

Ralei Danner and Jordyn Counts also had good nights at the plate, both with three hits. Heffron drove in four runs. Knoxville is now 5-3 and 5-0 in the South Central Conference. The Panthers will venture to Creston for two games against class 5A #7 Ankeny, and class 4A #9 Dallas Center-Grimes. Meanwhile on the adjacent diamond, the Knoxville Baseball Squad split its double header with Clarke. A night after falling to rival Pella the Panthers lost game one 3-2 and came back to take the nightcap 15-2. Knoxville is now 7-7 and is now 7-2 in the conference. The Panthers’ next game will be a home double header against Chariton on Monday.