Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Clarksville celebrates its Class 1A state softball crown on Friday at Rogers Park. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

Chemistry isn’t just a subject in the classroom at Clarksville — it’s the biggest attribute that the Indians bring to the softball diamond.

The second-seeded Indians (31-4 overall) ended the 2025 state tournament with the progam’s second state title. Clarksville knocked off top-seed Wayne, 4-1.

“This team — by far — has the best chemistry of any team I’ve coached,” said Clarksville head coach Katie Burman, who has 249 wins in all 11 of her seasons at the helm. “Before the tournament and on the road trip (nearly two hours), they were having the most fun I’ve seen.

“It’s rare and great to see.”

This was the seventh state trip for the Indians, and fifth in the last seven years. Clarksville won the state title in 2021, and was a runner-up twice.

On Friday night at Rogers Park, the Indians built an early 4-0 lead and never looked back.

“That was huge — getting an early lead,” Burman said. “I thought we would need more, but that helped the girls settle in and be patient.”

Burman’s squad possesses two of the best hitters and one of the best pitchers in Class 1A, but she believes the camaraderie is what propelled them to the top of 1A.

“With their chemistry and love for each other, it makes it so much easier on a coach,” Burman said. “They play for each other.”

Pitcher Sydney Lovrien (28-3) allowed 11 hits and struck out two batters in the first two state tourney games. That run continued in the title clash.

“Sydney came to play,” Burman said. “She pitched a great game and also came through at the plate.”

Lovrien allowed one of the best hitting teams in the class only one hit, giving up one earned run. She struck out nine and walked zero.

Lovrien, who was on the all-tournament squad, also tallied two hits and drove in two runs.

“This means everything,” Lovrien said. “I just went out there and pitched the best I could against a very good team.

“Our team works so well together. We have amazing relationships and are best friends.”

Claire Lodge, who was named captain of the all-tournament team, had a double and was 5-for-11 for the week with six RBI and two home runs — including a grand slam.

Paige Kampan finished the night 2-for-3 with two RBI.

Also joining Lodge and Lovrien on the all-tourney squad was Catelynn Lodge and Emmalee Manwarren.

Lodge had three hits and a double this week. Manwarren had six hits.

The lone run for the Falcons (27-3) came when Jolene Murphy scored on an Ella Whitney hit in the fifth inning.

Clarksville advanced in the tournament after a 5-4 walk-off win in their open against Mason City Newman. Propelled by two grand slams, they then knocked off St. Edmond 11-3 in the semifinals.

CLARKSVILLE 4, WAYNE 1

Clarksville 220 000 0 — 4 7 2

Wayne 000 010 0 — 1 4 0

WP–Sydney Lovrien (7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 9 SO); LP–Izzie Moore (7 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO).

LOB–Clarksville 6, Wayne 5; 2B–C: Claire Lodge; W: Allie Jo Fortune; HBP–W: Carsyn Anderson; SB–C: Emmalee Manwarren, Catelynn Lodge.

Multiple Hits–C: Lovrien (2). RBI–C: Paige Kampman (2), Lovrien (2); W: Ella Whitney.