Support your local businesses

Local voices matter. Help us amplify them by contributing to your local newsroom. DECORAH & CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — After dominating Waukon behind Clara Hjelle's 12-strikeout shutout, the Decorah softball team ran into a wall just 24 hours later, falling 9–0 to a red-hot Xavier squad in Cedar Rapids. The back-to-back games were a sharp contrast—one showcasing the Vikings' full range of offensive and defensive grit, and the other a reminder of the challenges that can lie ahead in the early season. Hjelle's Dominance in the Circle, Hits Soar Past Waukon, 5–0 Decorah softball rode a masterful pitching performance from Clara Hjelle to shut out Waukon, 5–0, in a home victory on Wednesday night. Hjelle was electric in the circle, striking out 12 batters while scattering just six hits over seven scoreless innings. The senior showed pinpoint control and poise under pressure, stranding 10 Waukon baserunners to preserve the shutout. The Viking offense gave Hjelle all the support she would need early, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Jasera Tweten delivered an RBI single, and Ava Steine added a clutch two-run double in the fifth to give Decorah some space to breathe. Junior Lauren Luzum also contributed at the plate, going 1-for-2 with a walk, a double, and a run scored. Clara Hjelle helped her own cause with an RBI double in the second inning. Lillian Olson chipped in with two hits and a run scored, while Liz Bucksa stayed hot with a pair of singles and a stolen base. Decorah totaled nine hits on the night, with seven different players contributing. Despite a few defensive lapses—Decorah committed four errors—the Vikings' pitching and timely hitting proved more than enough. Waukon's starter Isabella Rounds went the distance, allowing five earned runs on nine hits with two walks and one strikeout. Waukon collected six hits, including two from Isabelle Moudy, but couldn't break through against Hjelle. Decorah Shut Out by Xavier After Statement Win Just 24 hours after their 5–0 shutout win over Waukon, the Decorah Vikings travelled to Cedar Rapids for a swift reversal of fortune, falling 9–0 to Cedar Rapids Xavier in a five-inning contest. Decorah was sent home hitless by Xavier's Braylen Conlon, who tossed a no-hitter while striking out 13 and walking just one. Conlon was in total control from the first pitch, as Decorah offense managed just one baserunner the entire game. Decorah's field defense faltered as well, with the team committing five errors that extended innings and contributed to a lopsided scoreline. Clara Hjelle, coming off a 12-strikeout shutout performance against Waukon, returned to the circle but was met with an aggressive Xavier lineup . She allowed five hits and four earned runs across four innings but had to navigate extra traffic due to the defensive slowdown. Xavier struck early with a five-run first inning and never looked back. Katie Pilcher delivered the knockout blow with a three-run home run in the third, while Callie Luerkens went 2-for-3 with three RBIs of her own. The contrast between Decorah's polished performance one night prior and Friday's struggles was stark, but was the first loss in the Vikings' early season stretch. Never a dull moment! Subscribe to the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and stay one step ahead with local news and information you just can't get anywhere else.

Support your local businesses

Whiplash: Timely Hits Power Decorah Past Waukon, Shut Out by Xavier