Embrace the madness
annual Monroe Classic Madness Car Show back on the town square June 14
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
Classic cars will once again line the streets of Monroe for the second annual Monroe Classic Madness Car Show. Registration opens at 8 a.m. with awards to be presented at 2 p.m. June 14 for the event on the Monroe town square sponsored by Chasing Cars.
“Provided we have good weather, we are expecting more than 100 cars in attendance,” Chasing Cars Founder Chase Spencer said.
The inaugural show had so many cars it had to expand down neighboring streets. People strolled around the town square taking in the wide variety cars and trucks along with good food and fun games for the kids.
This year, goodie bags will be available to the first 50 vehicles registered, there will be door prizes and a 50/50 drawing. All proceeds from the event will once again go to The Gathering Place of Monroe.
“Also something of note is that
we will be using a new registration system through Chasing Cars where we use QR Code window stickers that can be left on the car to continue sharing that particular car’s story no matter what car show they attend or even if they take that car to the grocery store,” Spencer.
All vehicles are welcome and awards will be given for the top 10 and best of show along with four specialty trophies. Any questions can be directed to Spencer at chasingcars1970@gmail.com.
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
For several years, the State of Iowa has often been blanketed by smoke from Canadian wildfires increasing health risks for residents. Jasper County has not been left out, with hazy skies becoming the norm from dawn until dusk.
In recent days, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources issued a statewide Air Quality Alert. It was found that the Air Quality Index could reach the red or unhealthy category.
During that time, the DNR recommended people avoid long or intense outdoor activities and take frequent breaks until the air quality improves.
Sensitive groups including people with respiratory illness or heart disease, children, teenagers, the elderly and outdoor workers were advised to take extra precautions.
According to the American Lung Association (ALA), Canada and the United States have experienced an increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires, along with a greater risk for health effects from smoke. Even though the fires are thousands of miles away, the smoke can travel and remain potent, causing health issues for youth through senior citizens.
“Catastrophic wildfires are impacting the lung health of people in all parts of the U.S. and Canada,” President and CEO of the American Lung
Main road into Monroe closed for resurfacing
Jasper County is aiming to have it reopened by beginning of July
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
Work is underway to resurface Quicksilver Avenue in Monroe. Locally known as Old Highway 163, the road was filled with large potholes and patched cracks when the Jasper County Board of Supervisors gave approval to fix the rough roadway. The road, which has been closed for about two weeks, has a new base and interlayer already complete. Before laying the surface layer, the crews will move to Prairie City and finish Poplar Avenue, which has also been closed for resurfacing. As long as the weather holds up, the county plans to have the surface layer complete and markings, shouldering and driveway rock work done for the roadway ready to reopen by the end of June or beginning of July.
Jasper County once again dealing with potential health risks from Canadian wildfires smoke
Association Harold Wimmer said. “We are not only seeing an increase in the frequency and devastating impact of fires, but they are also dispersing dangerous smoke and particle pollution across a larger area.”
In 2023, Canada faced its worst wildfire year ever with large fires affecting all 13 provinces and territories. Although there were fewer fires in 2024, it still ranked among the top six wildfire seasons in the past 50 years. The U.S. also experienced a rise in wildfires, with 64,897 in 2024, up from 56,580 the previous year. Of note, wildfires have increased in Hawaii and areas of the Midwest and East Coast where they are not typically found.
In 2025, Canada began its wildfire
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
While it certainly wasn’t as flashy or energetic as a livestock auction, the county’s live bond sales for the rail park and other miscellaneous projects did break up the monotony of the Tuesday morning board of supervisors meeting, even more so when both sets of bids for the true interest costs came in under estimate.
season with fewer fires; however, the U.S. has already experienced devastating fires in Southern California, including the state’s second and third most destructive fires, as well as significant blazes in Texas, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Florida and South Carolina, the ALA said. While certain populations have a harder time with the smoke, it poses serious health hazards for anyone who breathes it. Smoke contains tiny particles — some so tiny that they can travel deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream — that can worsen chronic lung disease symptoms and trigger asthma attacks, heart attacks
Two bond sales were up for bid: $4.33 million for the rail park, and $800,000 for conservation and sheriff’s office projects. Jon Burmeister of PFM Financial Advisors walked county officials through the bidding process and the actual bond transaction, which was voted on later in the meeting when bids were verified. Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. was the winning bidder in both bond
sales. Jasper County was able to secure a 4.86 percent interest rate for the $4.33 million bond, of which five financial institutions submitted bids. For the $800,000 bond, the county acquired a 3.91 percent interest rate from a pool of four bidders. Burmeister said Jasper County was shooting for an interest rate below 5 percent for both bonds.
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
Hundreds of people checked out the vehicles gathered around the Monroe square during the inaugural Monroe Classic Madness Car Show. The event is back starting at 8 a.m. June 14.
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer Quicksilver Avenue in Monroe is currently closed for a resurfacing project.
your event to news@pcmexplorer.com
PCM Food Pantry
The PCM Food Pantry at the Monroe Presbyterian Church, 113 S. Main St. in Monroe, is open 9 a.m. to noon Thursdays and 9 a.m. to noon and 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays.
Upcoming events at The Gathering Place in Monroe
Thursday, June 12
• 10am Patty Richards Show
• 12:30pm TAI CHI for Arthritis and Fall Prevention
Friday, June 13
• Piano with Jacque Robinson
Monday, June 16
• 10am Video Exercise Class
Tuesday, June 17
• 8-11am Playgroup
• 8am Coffee and Prayer
• 1pm Game Time
• 6pm BINGO
Wednesday, June 18
• 9 am Kids Crafts - Stepping Stones
• 4pm Get Fit, Don’t Fall with Amy S.
Thursday, June 19
• 9am Focus Group
• 12:30pm TAI CHI for Arthritis and Fall Prevention
Friday, June 20
• 9 am Kids Crafts - Decorate Rocks
• Needle Art Sit & Stitch
TOPS
TOPS 1025 meets at 5:30 p.m. every Monday at the First Reformed Church in Prairie City for weigh-in, with meeting to follow. Go to the north side parking lot at the church and enter in the north door. Call 515-994-2200 for information.
Lighthouse Recovery meetings
Lighthouse Recovery Ministries host a Men’s and Ladies Recovery meeting at 6:30 p.m. each Monday at Grace Alive Church, 703 W. Second St. in Prairie City. Contact Barb at b.miller@lighthouserecoveryia.com with questions.
5-Day Club begins June 23
Kids 5 to 12 years old! The 5-Day Club will offer fun games, activities, Bible lessons and snacks from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 23 - 27 at Tool’s Point Park Shelter House in Monroe. Contact Jan Doty at 641-275-2428 or Jane McConeghey at 641-891-2733 with any questions.
Scam Prevention for seniors
Jasper County RSVP is hosting a free scam prevention presentation for seniors put on by Aging Resources at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 24 in the ISU Extension classroom in the Newton DMACC Building, 550 N. Second Ave. W. Call 641-792-6433 or email Sarah Patterson at patter@iastate.edu to confirm your attendance.
Mosquito spraying June 26 in Monroe
The City of Monroe reminds residents mosquito spraying dates are scheduled for June 26, July 24 and Aug. 28.
Explorer PCM
Duane Alan Sloan May 29, 2025
Duane Alan Sloan, age 69 of Monroe Iowa, passed away on May 29th at Pella Regional Health Center. A celebration of life will be held at The Gathering Place in Monroe Saturday, June 14th, from 3pm-6pm.
The son of Florence (Scott) and Charles W Sloan Jr., Duane was born in Oskaloosa on December 31, 1955. Duane graduated from Monroe High School in 1974.
He began working at Hewitt’s in Monroe while in high school and continued his position there as a dedicated employee for 50+ years. While working there he took on many roles including mechanic, tow truck and low boy driver, plus so much more.
He was united in marriage to Vanessa Stripe in 1975 and they were blessed with two children, Jennifer and Jared. Duane and Vanessa are true soulmates who celebrated their 50th anniversary in February of 2025. The two of them shared many memories riding their Harley, attending the races, car shows, and being with their grandchildren.
Duane followed in the footsteps of his fa-
ther who had a love of cars. This passion has been passed down to his son and grandsons who spent countless hours with him in the garage, attending races, and car shows. In later years he could often be found at a multitude of extracurricular events supporting his grandchildren, saving his grandchildren when their cars were in need of some care, and at auctions looking for anything that caught his eye.
Duane was truly a family man who worked hard to ensure his family had a fulfilling life. This work ethic has been passed down to his loved ones who aspire to be like him. Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Vanessa; their
two children, Jennifer (Grant) Hjortshoj and Jared (Jenny) Sloan; his sisters, Doris (Gary) Altemeier and Debbie Sloan; his grandchildren, Sloan, Riley, and Mason Hjortshoj, Cooper, Kinser, and Chloe Sloan; along with several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, Charles and Florence Sloan, brothers Charles Dean and Dennis, and his sister Donna Rempp. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the family that will then be used to support the Monroe Ambulance Crew and the Monroe Old Settlers Car Show. Donations can be made to Vanessa Sloan PO Box: 812 Monroe, IA. 50170.
Prairie City Lions Club support PCM Fine Arts Boosters
The last pancake breakfast that the Prairie City Lions Club conducted for this spring was April 26 with funds going to the PCM Fine Arts Boosters. Members of the Booster Club were on hand to help with the breakfast. Due to their work in publicizing the breakfast, a profit of $705.99 was recognized and was all donated to the Boosters. Representatives of the PCM Fine Arts Boosters, Amber Samson (President), Alice Samson, and Carter Dudley, attended the Lions Club meeting on May 8. At
that meeting, they told about their programs and the various activities that the Fine Arts Boosters support. Lions Club president, Greg Townley, presented a check to them at that meeting.
The next pancake breakfast will be Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Prairie City Community Center. Additional breakfasts will be Oct. 25, Jan. 31, Feb. 28, March 28 and April 25. The Lions Club takes a break from hosting the breakfasts for the summer, but will start up again in September.
The Lions Club will conduct a
to conduct a
pork supper at Prairie Days, Friday, July 25. They will have a tent on the north side of the town square. Plan to enjoy a meal and support Lions Club which ultimately supports many other organizations in the community.
The Prairie City Lions Club is always looking for new members who are interested in serving the community. If interested, contact Lion President Greg Townley at 515321-5085, email gregory.a.townley@gmail.com or contact one of the other members to learn more about becoming a member.
Submitted Photo
Members of the PCM Fine Arts Boosters and Prairie City Lions Club work together
pancake breakfast April 26 with proceeds going to the Fine Arts Boosters.
Smoke
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In addition to people with lung disease, groups that may face higher risk of health hazards from wildfire smoke include Black and Indigenous individuals and people of color, children, older adults,
Continuedfrompage1 and strokes.
people experiencing poverty, individuals who are pregnant and outdoor workers according to the ALA. Mental and emotional impacts of wildfires and related to air pollution have also been found in recent studies.
“We often take the simple act of drawing a clean breath for granted,” CEO of the Canadian Lung Association
Bond Sales
The county will then borrow the money to finance projects.
“So you’re seeing the making of the cake, so to speak,” Burmeister said. “The county sent out what they call their official statement to the municipal bond market, and we invited all underwriters in the United States to bid on the county’s bonds. We confirmed Aa2 from the rating agency.”
Explorer PCM
Sarah Butson said. “But when wildfire smoke reaches our communities, sometimes we can’t even do that in our own homes. Every one of us needs to be concerned about how wildfires and extreme weather are affecting our communities and our health.”
Along with wildfire smoke attributed to trees and brush, additional harmful compo -
Financial institutions from Wisconsin, Illinois and Tennessee participated in the bidding process. The bids were received at 9:30 a.m.
Other true interest cost bids for the $4.33 million bond include: Pipe Sandler & Co. for a 4.94 percent interest rate, BOK Financial Securities Inc. for a 4.98 percent interest rate, FHN Financial Capital Markets for a 5.04 percent interest rate and Northland Securities Inc. for a 5.19 percent interest rate. The other bids for the $800,000 bond include: Northland Securities Inc. for a 3.97 percent interest rate, Bernardl
TTO EVERYONE WHO DONATED FOR THE NEW TREES IN THE CEMETERY. Also, thank you to all the great volunteers who helped plant them. They have been in for two months and they will definitely add to the beauty out at the cemetery for many years to come.
Thank you again, Brian D. Briles
nents can be found if houses or vehicles are involved in the fires. Wildfire smoke can also contribute to unhealthy levels of ozone pollution, which can lead to additional harms to lung health.
The American and Canadian Lung Associations have three areas that can help protect residents from the harmful health impacts
of wildfires. They include:
• Awareness: Raising greater awareness about the health impacts that wildfire smoke has on everyone, especially higher-risk communities and groups, through online resources, media stories, social media and more.
• Education: Educating the public on steps people can take to pro -
Securities Inc. for a 4.12 percent interest rate and Bankers’ Bank for a 4.24 percent interest rate.
Burmeister said, “This competitive bid process provides the county with the lowest costs for borrowing. We have five different underwriters and 30 different banks, and we’re trying to find those investors that will provide the county with the lowest cost of borrowing. Each day that changes.”
Supervisors approved the bond sales in a unanimous vote.
However, the rail park is going to need additional funds after another
tect themselves from wildfire smoke before, during and after a wildfire smoke event.
• Advocacy: The American Lung Association is advocating for the use of prescribed fires in some circumstances, and both organizations are advocating for ways to address one key factor making wildfires worse: climate change.
partner in the project — Alliant Energy — dropped out. In response, the county and Iowa Interstate Railroad decided to split that third partner’s portion, which will require the county to secure another bond sale.
To kickstart that process, the board of supervisors set a date for a meeting to authorize another loan agreement. The meeting will take place at 9:30 a.m. June 24 at the Jasper County Courthouse. This time the loan will be for $1.95 million.
Altogether, the county will be investing $6,280,000 into the rail park.
2025 Iowan of the Day award
Nominate your outstanding Iowan for recognition at the State Fair
The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and Cookies BBQ Food Products are currently seeking 10 individuals to be recognized for the Iowan of the Day award at the 2025 Iowa State Fair. Recognize an outstanding individual in your life who exemplifies the qualities associated with Iowa-integrity, dependability, sense of community and a strong work ethic by nominating them today.
Each of the 10 Iowan of the Day winners are awarded a day of recognition at the 2025 Iowa State Fair, Aug. 7-17, including four Iowa State Fair admission tickets, an introduction on the Anne & Bill
Riley Stage, four Grandstand concert tickets on their day of recognition, use of the Iowan of the Day golf cart, VIP parking, accommodations at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown and $200 cash. Nomination forms can be found online at www.BlueRibbonFoun-
dation.org/events/iotd and must be submitted to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation by July 1. Nominations from 2022, 2023 and 2024 will be reconsidered. All nominees must currently reside in Iowa.
The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated more than $200 million for renovation and preservation of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information, contact the Blue Ribbon Foundation at 1-800450-3732 or Info@BlueRibbonFoundation.org.
PCM softball dominates trio of HOIAC opponents
By Troy Hyde PCM Explorer
MONROE — It took the PCM softball team a few innings to get going against South Hamilton on June 4.
But once the Mustangs got locked in at the plate, they did enough in one frame to end the game after four innings during an 11-0 home win over the Hawks.
Class 3A No. 4 PCM broke open a scoreless game with an 11-run third inning. The Mustangs sent 15 batters to the plate in the frame and ended the Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference contest early.
“We haven’t been too consistent offensively yet,” PCM head softball coach Shaun Hudnut said.
“The first two innings tonight, we hit the ball hard but got underneath it a little bit too much. The girls adjusted well though.”
The 11 runs were more than enough for Rylee Parsons, who tossed the first perfect game of her prep varsity career.
She struck out five in four innings of work.
Parsons (5-0) is now seven strikeouts away from 300 in her career. The school record is 384.
“The energy was great,” Parsons said. “When we’re loud and the crowd in the stands is loud, it helps me in the circle to know that we
have all these people supporting PCM softball.”
PCM (7-1, 6-0 in the HOIAC) is 19-8 against South Hamilton since 2009.
The Mustangs have won nine straight in the series.
Tori Lindsay opened the bottom of the first with a double on the first pitch she saw. The ball hit the fence in left-center field in the air, but the Mustangs were kept off the scoreboard after back-toback fly outs.
After going down in order in the second, PCM plated 11 runs in the third.
Kyra Naeve singled and then stole second to start the frame. Lindsay walked and Addison Steenhoek loaded the bases with a bunt single.
Libby Winters made it 2-0 with a two-run double.
PCM did most of its damage with two outs. Holly Wood and Steenhoek both produced two-run singles, South Hamilton (0-7, 0-7) committed a pair of errors and Winters and Humpal delivered RBI doubles to extend the lead to 11-0.
After lacing a double on the first pitch she saw in the first inning, Lindsay drew a walk to load the bases with two outs in the third.
“I did love to see (Lindsay) take ball four with runners on first and second with two outs,” Coach Hudnut said. “Anything we can do to move kids around the bases and
play team ball will help us.
“We moved her to the leadoff role, but that doesn’t mean we want her to just take pitches. She saw one early in the count in the first and hit it to the fence.”
Steenhoek finished with two hits, two runs, two RBIs and one stolen base and Winters tallied two doubles, two runs and three RBIs.
Winters leads the Mustangs with 13 runs and seven stolen bases, Humpal has a team-best 13 RBIs and 19 total bases and Humpal, Steenhoek and Naeve are all batting .500.
Lindsay doubled, scored two runs, walked twice and stole one base, Wood finished with one hit, one run, two RBIs and one steal and Camden Webb posted one hit, one run and one RBI.
Naeve registered one hit, two runs and two steals, Addi Hudnut had one hit, one run and one steal and Humpal tallied one hit and one RBI.
“We feel the pressure coming into the season, but it’s an experienced group,” said Steenhoek, who is the team’s only senior. “It’s been fun so far. We have a bunch of proven girls, and it’s really about proving to the public that we belong in Fort Dodge.”
PCM out-hit the Hawks 10-0 and South Hamilton had the game’s only two errors.
PCM baseball downs South Hamilton for second victory
By Gabe Graber PCM Explorer
PRAIRIE CITY — The Mustangs sealed a victory over the South Hamilton Hawks on June 4 during Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference play.
After three innings, the game was tied at 2-all. Then in the final five, the PCM baseball team knocked in three runs to get the win.
Kaleb DeVries had two singles and an RBI to lead the offense for the Mustangs. Trenner Van Dyke and Jaden Houser each had two hits and Coby DeRaad, Alex Wendt and Jenssen Hood each had a hit.
“We were able to put together a quality win with the athletes we have,” PCM head baseball coach Brent Fridley said. “It was a fun game to get.”
Shay Burns (1-0) started the game and pitched 4 2/3 innings. He got the win and gave up no runs, two hits and one walk but also registered seven strikeouts.
DeVries closed out the game, pitching the final 2 1/3 innings. He gave up two earned runs on five hits and three walks but also had four strikeouts.
PCM (2-5, 2-3 in the conference) made two errors and South Hamilton (1-4, 1-4) committed one error. The Mustangs outhit the Hawks 9-7.
Nevada 9, PCM 1
DES MOINES — PCM played the Nevada Cubs at Principal Park on June 2. It was part of an all-day tripleheader.
Poor hitting plagued the Mustangs in their 9-1 loss. They mustered three hits to the Cubs’ 10.
The Cubs were ahead 1-0 going into the top of the fourth, but they added six runs in the next two innings to take a 7-0 lead.
Fridley knew that would be the difference.
“The big scoring innings they had really sealed the game early,” Fridley said. “From then, we couldn’t find any traffic going on the bases. We couldn’t even get the smallball style of play going.”
Nevada (7-3, 3-2) tacked on two more in the sixth and seventh to make the game 9-1.
The Mustangs were plagued by four errors and seven free bases.
PCM scored on an RBI single by DeVries. Burns and Van Dyke each drew a walk, Konnor Bell had a single and Izaac Bagby was hit by a pitch to close out the Mustangs’ offense. PCM struck out 12 times.
Van Dyke pitched the first four innings and took the loss. He gave up seven runs on seven hits, one walk and three hit batters. He also struck out three. Carson Hansen came in for the final three innings and gave up two hits and two runs. He struck out five, walked one and hit two.
“Overall, it was a good experience for our guys to play in a professional ballpark like that,” Fridley said.
Roland Story 3, PCM 0 PRAIRIE CITY — The Mustangs closed out the week against the Roland Story Norsemen on June 6.
Van Dyke pitched the first 5 2/3 innings and gave up three runs. Hansen finished the game, tossing 2 1/3 scoreless innings. Van Dyke took the loss.
The two gave up a combined one earned run, four hits, three walks and three hit batters and they totaled five strikeouts. The Mustangs committed one error.
“Trenner has pitched really, really well for us this year,” Fridley said. “Even when he isn’t at his best, he still battles through. Beyond him, Carson Hanson can do well in high leverage situations, plus many others are capable pitchers as well.”
Offensively, the Mustangs mustered two hits and three walks. The two hits came from Trigg Steenhoek and Bell, who doubled and singled, respectively.
Wendt, DeVries and Hood all drew walks. Wendt also was hit by a pitch.
“Roland-Story is one of the better teams we will play,” Fridley said. “They play the game the right way. We knew we would have to play cleanly, and for the most part, we did. We were right there, battling until the end.”
The Norse (10-4, 3-2) out-hit PCM 4-2 and both teams committed one error.
The Mustangs saved their hits for the bottom of the seventh when they loaded the bases with two outs for Houser.
Everyone watching leaned forward for the decisive play. He struck out, but Fridley was proud of the way his team played.
“We got the tying run on base to give ourselves a chance, and I’m proud of us for that,” Fridley said. “The difference in this game compared to our others is that we didn’t give up a big inning.
“The thing about baseball is there’s always an opportunity around the corner. If we sustain good hitting and play solid defense like we are capable of, we can put together some wins.”
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM junior Rylee Parsons threw her first career varsity perfect game during the Mustangs’ 11-0 win over South Hamilton on June 4.
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM senior Trigg Steenhoek (1) gets up high for the throw down to second base during the Mustangs’ HOIAC game against Nevada on June 2. PCM fell to the Cubs, 9-1.
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM junior Coby DeRaad, center, dives back to first base during a pick-off attempt against Nevada on June 2 at Principal Park.
Explorer PCM
Sports
The Mustangs have committed four errors in eight games this summer.
“We’re happy with our start,” Coach Hudnut said. “We knew there would be a couple tough games to begin the season. It’s not easy starting the conference season off with the team you expect to compete with for a conference title and then we played a good Pella team, too.
“We knew we had a few easier games this week, but we did what we had to do and took care of business.”
PCM 11, Roland Story 0 ROLAND — The Mustangs won a second game by an 11-0 score on June 6 when they downed Roland-Story in a HOIAC contest in four innings.
This time, PCM scored in all four innings and a fast start kept the Mustangs unbeaten in conference play.
Roland-Story finished with more errors (4) than hits (3) and dropped to 3-3 in HOIAC games.
“I like that everybody is level headed,” Lindsay said. “No one thinks we’ve arrived or anything. We’re all playing as a team right now, which is real good for us.”
Lindsay, Steenhoek, Humpal, Naeve and Millang all had two hits to lead the PCM offense.
Lindsay added two runs and two steals and she was hit by a pitch, Steenhoek doubled and had one RBI, Humpal collected one run and two RBIs and Millang doubled, scored two runs and posted one RBI.
Naeve doubled, scored one run, totaled one RBI and stole one base, Winters registered one hit, one run and one steal and Webb scored one run and chipped in one RBI.
Wood walked once and scored one run and Ryan DeVore scored two runs and turned in one RBI.
Lindsay has 10 runs scored, Steenhoek is up to 14 total bases, Naeve has five steals and Winters is batting .462.
Parsons got the win in the circle after allowing no earned runs on three hits and one hit batter in four innings. She struck out two and lowered her earned run average to 2.13.
Parsons and Webb have split the team’s 46 innings evenly.
Parsons is 5-0 with 20 strikeouts and Webb is 2-1 with two saves and 26 strikeouts.
“I think it gives us both opportunities to pitch and gives us the breaks we need to stay fresh, too,” Parsons said. “We were all locked in today.”
Coach Hudnut said the plan mostly is to give each pitcher a few starts a week, but they could both pitch in the same game and have similar roles as last year if the situation calls for it.
“We’re very fortunate that we can run two starters a week and get the appropriate rest,”
Coach Hudnut said. “We still have the option to start one and bring the other one in later in the game. We’re experimenting more this year with giving them both starts and seeing how long they can go.
“They’ll be some games we attack as a double team. We want to make sure we cover anything we’ll potentially run into at regionals or at state. We’re playing around and thinking ahead to what’s coming next season, too.”
Roland-Story (4-3) was led by Brooklyn Jondle, Lauren Crabbs and Evelyn Carson, who all had one hit.
The win over the Lady Norse caps a 3-1 week and the Mustangs outscored HOIAC opponents 38-0.
PCM’s home game against Saydel scheduled for June 3 was postponed to June 12 due to inclement weather. The Mustangs also play at Saydel on June 13.
Next week’s schedule also includes home games against Pleasantville (June 9) and West Marshall (June 11), who both were preseason ranked in 2A and 3A, respectively.
“We know we’ll have opportunities for some big games,” Steenhoek said. “We don’t want to look past anyone and rankings are really just what they are until we get to the big stage. Being in the top 10 is always fun, but where we are right now doesn’t matter to me as long as we just keep doing our jobs.”
PCM 16, Nevada 0
MONROE — The Mustangs needed only six hits to score 16 runs against Nevada on June 2.
PCM led 3-0 after one inning and, ended the night early with an eight-run second and a fiverun third and downed the Cubs 16-0. It was Coach Hudnut’s 200th career win.
“It takes a lot of talented players to be able to win that many games,” said Coach Hudnut, who’s collected 92 of those 202 victories on the softball diamond. “We’ve been fortunate to have a lot of good baseball and
softball players here.
“It’s really neat. I’m glad we got it done so now we can focus on what we can do as a team.”
It was the Mustangs’ ninth straight win over Nevada (2-5, 0-4). They have outscored the Cubs 65-4 in the last five meetings. Millang led the Mustangs with two hits, one double, one run and four RBIs and Steenhoek tallied one hit, two runs and one walk and she was hit by one pitch.
Scarlett Mosher, Winters and Webb had the other hits. Mosher drove in two runs, Winters scored two runs and stole one base and Webb drove in one run.
Lindsay and Humpal each walked twice, scored two runs and had one RBI and were hit by one pitch.
Lindsay leads the Mustangs with four hit by pitches this summer. She’s moved to the lead-off spot in the lineup after spending last season in the No. 3 or No. 4 position.
“Some think the role of the lead-off person is to take a bunch of pitches,” Lindsay said. “But we’ve talked about it, and he wants me to attack pitches if they are there. I’m also trying to look for my pitch and then from
there it’s not a matter of being lead off it’s a matter of where I end up in any given inning.”
Addi Hudnut finished with one walk, two runs, one RBI and three steals against Nevada, while Wood walked twice, scored two runs and stole one base. Wood leads PCM with seven walks.
Lathrum scored two runs and stole one base, Carly Wilkerson scored one run and stole one base, Naeve had one RBI and one walk and Ila Keuning walked once.
Webb earned the win in the circle. She allowed no runs, four hits and one walk and struck out eight in four innings. Webb registered the 100th strikeout of her career against the Cubs.
“I just enjoy pitching. It’s my favorite thing to do in softball,” Webb said. “The other girls help me be a better pitcher, too, with good defense and good offense even.
“It feels good and it’s been fun to get to 100 strikeouts especially with this group of girls and the bond we have with this team.”
Carlisle 7, PCM 0
CARLISLE — The 4A No. 7 Wildcats scored first and pulled away late during a 7-0 non-conference home win over PCM on June 5.
The Mustangs were limited to three hits. Carlisle led 1-0 through four but scored twice in the fifth and four times in the sixth to pull away.
Steenhoek, Humpal and Naeve each tallied one hit. Carlisle improved to 11-0 against PCM since 2009.
Carlisle out-hit PCM 14-3, and the Wildcats had the only error in the game.
Webb (2-1) lost for the first time this season in the circle. She allowed six earned runs on 12 hits and one walk in five innings.
Parsons tossed one inning and surrendered one earned run on two hits and two strikeouts. Logan Brown led Carlisle (9-4) with three hits and three RBIs. Ella Smith and Mallori Stutsman each had two hits, Addyson Sears scored two runs and Mallie Stoner contributed two RBIs.
“We carried a lot of positive momentum from last season into this year, and I hope that continues,” Webb said. “We’re all supporting each other no matter what the score is.”
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM junior Addi Hudnut, left, wins the race to first base in the Mustangs’ 11-run third inning against South Hamilton on June 4.
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