Keota softball experiencing growing pains

KEOTA — It hasn’t been easy for a young Keota softball team in 2022.

The Eagles, which boast just a pair of seniors and rely on eighth-grader Addy Perkypile to anchor them in the circle, have yet to find a win this season, but head coach Tony Baughman says he sees his squad taking steps.

“We’re young and we’re learning,” said Baughman after a 13-0 loss to English Valleys on Monday night. “We just have to keep battling and learning from our mistakes.”

Purkeypile and the Keota defense kept things relatively close against English Valleys early. The Bears, an above .500 team, led just 1-0 after one inning and 4-0 after three.

“I think (Purkeypile) is doing really good,” said Baughman. “I’m very proud of her.”

The main issue though was a problem the Eagles have faced all year. Keota failed to record a hit on the night and were shut out for the 10th time this season.

“We’ve got to get our bats going,” said Baughman. “Once we’ve got that figured out, we’ll be all right.”

The Eagles had broken a scoring streak after putting up one run at HLV last week, and a season-high three against Lynnville-Sully on Friday, but with just one week to go, they have yet to put the pieces together and scoop up a win.

Keota (0-13) has three more shots. The Eagles have Sigourney, Iowa Valley and Tri-County all remaining on the schedule.