-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Mariah Myers of St. Edmond hits a grand slam against Algona on Wednesday at Rogers Park

The seventh-ranked (Class 1A) St. Edmond softball team bounced back from their first North Central Conference loss in over 700 days with a 12-4 victory over Algona here Wednesday.

With the threat of inclement weather, the start time was moved up two hours. However, with lightning surrounding Rogers Park and rain pounding the field, the contest began closer to 7 p.m.

The delay didn’t halt either offense, as the Bulldogs plated three quick runs in the first while the Gaels (10-3 overall, 4-1 in league) answered with a pair.

In the second, Mariah Myers cleared the bases with a grand slam, sending St. Edmond on its way. Myers, who was named the Gatorade Iowa Softball Player of the Year earlier this week, added a two-run blast in the third.

Ansley Oswald also went yard, connecting on a two-run shot in the same inning as Myers for her first career homer. Faith Shirbroun finished 4-for-4 with four runs scored and an RBI.

“It was exciting to see us hit the ball like that,” SEHS head coach Bill Shirbroun said. “I thought we did a great job at the plate. We’re still fixing a lot of things with our defense and even in terms of our lineup, but we’ll figure it out.”

Lauren Gibb added two hits with a pair of RBI as Myers finished 2-for-3 with six RBI, three runs scored and an intentional walk.

“When the top-half of your lineup does that, you really set the tone with your offense,” Shirbroun said. “And we continue to get production from other players as well.”

Sophia Schlienz finished 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored, Toryn Helle had a hit and scored a run while Jade Rock and Hadley Oswald both crossed home.

For Algona (6-4, 3-2), Reagan Haynes had a double with two RBI while Ryan Haynes drove in a run.

St. Edmond was coming off its first NCC loss since 2023 to Clear Lake on the road Tuesday night. That defeat happened on June 19 to Webster City and current Gael assistant coach Delainey Bargfrede, 3-1.

Next action for St. Edmond is Thursday when they travel to GTRA followed by a return home to host Clarion-Goldfield/Dows on Friday.

ST. EDMOND 12, ALGONA 4 (5 inn.)

Algona 300 10 — 4 3 3

St. Edmond 245 01 — 12 12 3

WP–Breckyn Ulrich (3 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 K, 0 BB). LP–Allison Trunkhill (4ª IP, 12 H, 9 ER, 1 K, 2 BB).

HR–SE: Mariah Myers (2), Ansley Oswald. 2B–A: Reagan Haynes; SE: Sophia Schlienz, Lauren Gibb. RBI–A: Reagan Haynes (2), Ryan Haynes; SE: Faith Shirbroun, Mariah Myers (6), Lauren Gibb (2), Sophia Schlienz, Ansley Oswald.