WAUKEE — The No. 7 (Class 1A) St. Edmond softball team again cranked up the competition level on Friday, squaring off with a pair of 5A ranked opponents at the Jack North Classic.

The Gaels (13-8 overall) lost to No. 10 Muscatine, 3-1, and sixth-rated Southeast Polk, 13-2.

Against the Muskies, Mariah Myers had a triple, scored a run and was walked twice. Toryn Helle and Myrah Lemon recorded the other St. Edmond base hits, and Lauren Gibb drove in Myers for the only run.

Helle was effective from the circle, allowing two earned runs in six innings.

The Gaels plated single runs in the first two innings for a 2-0 edge on the Rams, but it was short lived. Southeast Polk exploded for six runs in the bottom of the second and six more in the bottom of the fourth to end the contest early.

Faith Shirbroun was 2-for-2 with a home run to lead SEHS. Gibb recorded two hits as well.

Rihanna Myers doubled, and Hadley Oswald contributed an RBI.

The Gaels now take on top-rated (5A) powerhouse Waukee Northwest at 10:45 a.m. back here on Saturday, followed by a contest versus Bettendorf at 12:30 p.m.