Anna Kaliban gives young Linn-Mar softball team strong pitching and senior leadership

MARION — Anna Kaliban’s senior season with the Linn-Mar softball team took on a whole new look back in February.

When junior Emily Koranda suffered a major knee injury during the basketball season, Kaliban knew her pitching opportunities would increase.

“It was surprising coming in and being the No. 1 pitcher," Kaliban said after the Lions’ 10-0, six-inning win over Cedar Rapids Washington on Thursday night in a Class 5A regional first-round game at Oak Ridge Middle School. ”I had been taking pitching really seriously, but after (Koranda's injury) I had to dial in even more.

“The situation was an unfortunate one, but I feel fortunate to have had this opportunity.”

Kaliban allowed three singles and struck out nine in her final appearance on her home field.

“She has been excellent for us all year,” said Lions Coach Maddy Colbert. "We could not have asked anymore of her. She has worked her butt off for the past five years and it is all paying off for her now.“

As the lone senior in Linn-Mar's starting lineup, Kaliban has thrived in the leadership role for a young team. Several with eligibility remaining after this season came up big on Thursday for the Lions.

Junior Hayden Koutny had the key hit of the contest when her hard-hit ball just inside the first-base line in the third inning rolled all the way to the corner and she circled the bases for her first home run of the season, a three-run blow that gave the Lions a 5-0 lead. She finished with two hits, including an RBI single that brought the game to an end.

Eighth-grader Brynna Gander and freshman Mallory Palmer both added a pair of hits for Linn-Mar (19-19).

“We're a young team, but they have played well,” Kaliban said. “They have played really well on defense.”

Next up for the Lions is a 7 p.m. regional semifinal Saturday at Cedar Rapids Kennedy (23-14). The Cougars swept a doubleheader last week when the two teams met at Kennedy.

“At this point of the season, we have played so many games together that we've really developed a great chemistry,” Colbert said. “We know what we have to do to win (against Kennedy). We need to make routine plays and have Anna throw another great game. We think we have a chance to win against anyone.”

Cedar Rapids Washington closes its season at 1-34.

Linn-Mar 10, Cedar Rapids Washington 0 (6 innings)

C.R. Washington 000 000 0 - 0 3 6

Linn-Mar 115 012 - 10 10 1

Zoey Jones and Leah Mann. Anna Kaliban and Kaylie Alvey. W - Kaliban (16-8) L - Jones (1-19) HR - LM: Koutny (1)