Observations from the first week of the 2023 Iowa high school softball season

One week down, and eight area unbeatens remain.

It took little time for the cream to rise in Eastern Iowa high school softball circles.

Williamsburg has dominated on its way to a 6-0 start, outscoring its opponents by a 68-10 margin. Linn-Mar has allowed three runs in four games, all victories. Lisbon and Sigourney have ridden high-level pitchers Ryleigh Allgood and Carly Goodwin to fast starts.

Clear Creek Amana, Decorah, Waukon and Center Point-Urbana also are perfect through one week, with varying degrees of competition.

Five things that have caught our eye over Memorial Day weekend:

CCA is going to be just fine

There was valid reason for concern surrounding the pitching staff at Clear Creek Amana. Ashley Webb transferred to defending 2A state champion Iowa City Regina, and Bliss Beck elected not to go out.

But freshmen Elizabeth Timmerman (3-0, 1.19 ERA) and Kyla Schulte (2-0, 3.41) have capably taken over duty in the circle, and the Clippers are off to a 5-0 start, 4-0 in the Wamac Conference.

Run support has been major: CCA is hitting .420 as a team and averages 9.6 runs per game.

Youth paces the team offensively. Four players are hitting better than .500 — Timmerman and Schulte, plus junior Aeslyn Massey and freshman Lizzie Pasbrig.

The Clippers host Center Point-Urbana on Wednesday, which brings us to ...

Pointing in the right direction

CPU’s last winning season came in 2018, and with the majority of their roster back from last year’s 17-19 outfit, the Stormin’ Pointers (4-0 overall, 4-0 Wamac) hit the ground running last week.

CPU swept South Tama on the road and West Delaware at home, outscoring its opposition by a 47-1 ledger.

The Stormin’ Pointers have a non-conference contest with Dyersville Beckman on Tuesday before heading to Oxford for two important games Wednesday.

Winning the close ones

Cedar Rapids Xavier and Western Dubuque got off to good starts, because they’ve been able to prevail in high-stress situations.

All five of Xavier’s games (including four wins) were decided by two runs or less. All of Western Dubuque’s first six games, same story. The Bobcats are 5-1.

Braylen Conlon and Duanna Coyle had three hits apiece in Xavier’s 7-6, 10-inning victory over Solon on Friday. The Saints have a sweep over Iowa City Liberty in the bank, an impressive feat, and their only loss was 2-1 to 5A No. 4 Linn-Mar.

Western Dubuque has won five straight since a 1-0 season-opening loss to Davenport Assumption, including MVC sweeps over Dubuque Hempstead and Cedar Rapids Jefferson. Junior pitcher Kiya Steger has a 0.30 ERA.

North Linn: Quality glovework

At .993, North Linn owns the highest fielding percentage in the state, any class.

The Lynx (4-1) have made only one error in 137 defensive chances.

North Linn, ranked No. 5 in Class 1A, hosts 2A No. 2 Lisbon on Tuesday in their annual doubleheader between the top two Tri-Rivers programs. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.

Keep these Eagles off the bases

Midland is off to a modest 2-6 start, but the Eagles are one aggressive outfit when runners get on base.

The Eagles lead the state by a wide margin in stolen bases, with 55 (in 55 attempts).

Chief thiefs include Anna Bartels (11 steals), Gracie Franzen (10), Taelynn Gravel (nine) and Emmaleigh Soper (eight).

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com