ALLEMAN — The seventh-ranked (Class 1A) St. Edmond softball team became just the second opponent to play North Polk on its brand-new turf field here Tuesday night.

After taking an early lead on the second-ranked (4A) Comets, the Gaels were unable to battle back, falling 4-2.

North Polk officially opened the $7.5 million baseball/softball complex on Monday night, as they fell to No. 10 (4A) ADM.

Faith Shirbroun erased a 1-0 deficit with a two-run homer in the third. Shirbroun, Toryn Helle and Hadley Oswald were the only batters to record a hit off North Polk ace Ava Husak, who struck out four with two walks.

Shirbroun also recorded a steal on the night, while Mariah Myers and Rihanna Myers both were walked once.

“We just didn’t string anything together at the plate,” SEHS head coach Bill Shirbroun said. “We did a good job of putting the ball in play, but their defense made plays.

“I thought our pitchers did a nice job against a very tough lineup in keeping them in-check.”

Alexandra Mohlke hit a homer for the Comets as Ava Koudelka and Tessa Dillinger both had two hits. Mohlke drove in two and Madelyn Klever had an RBI.

North Polk reached the state semifinals last year, finishing the year 37-6 overall.

The Gaels return to North Central Conference play on Wednesday at Humboldt. They head to Waukee for the Jack North Tournament where they will face ninth-ranked (5A) Muscatine and No. 11 (5A) Southeast Polk on Friday before taking on host No. 1 (5A) Waukee Northwest and Bettendorf Saturday.