The Wolves softball team is teasing coach Don Peters as of late.
Knowing full well that his squad lacked the experience to seriously compete this year, Peters keeps his expectations from running wild when the team shows flashes of good play ? most recently at the Pieper tournament at Memorial Park on May 7 and 8.
‘I have really high expectations, maybe higher than they should be, because of how young we are,? said Peters.
But anyone would get excited after the Wolves went 2-1 on the first day of play at the Pieper tournament on May 7. Clarkston’s only loss on the day was a 3-1 decision to the No. 1 ranked team in the state, Regina.
In their first two games at Memorial park, Clarkston defeated Flushing 6-2, with Megan Sperry getting the win on the hill, and Kimball 6-1, with Sarah Burger pitching for the victory.
‘I thought the girls played really well on Saturday (May 7) but we came out a little flat on Sunday,? said Peters.
Clarkston lost to Waterford Mott 4-2 to open the finals bracket. The Wolves then ended the day with a sour taste in their mouths, left by a 8-0 defeat at the hands of Livonia Ladywood.
All in all though, Peters is happy that his team was able to participate in the Pieper tournament.
‘We want to get as many games in against good competition so we can develop,? said Peters.
Peters felt the Wolves MVP of the tournament was Katy Kleinadler, who had eight hits for the tournament and a home run. According to Peters, Kleinadler was one of the best catchers at the Pieper tourney. She threw out three base runners on steal attempts, a feat embellished by the fact she converted from third base midway through this season.
Clarkston is now 7-11 on the season.
‘It’s much more difficult to coach when you are losing. You have to keep the girls spirits up, but at the same time continue to challenge them,? said Peters.
Next up for the Wolves is a road game against Waterford Kettering on May 11.
Clarkston will then compete in the Chelsea Tournament on May 14 in a field that includes Chelsea, Trenton and Ann Arbor Huron. While the competition will be stiff, Peters also entered the tournament because the Chelsea softball field was voted to be the nicest in the country two years ago.
Wrapping up the coming weeks action will be another road test for the Wolves against Troy High on May 16.