ALGONA — The seventh-ranked (Class 1A) St. Edmond softball team moved one step closer to securing a third consecutive outright North Central Conference title and fourth overall.

The Gaels (20-10 overall, 9-1 in league) scored seven in the second to take care of Algona here Monday night, 9-2. They have now won at least 20 games each of the past four season, the longest stretch for the program since 2012-15.

Sophia Schlienz had three hits, scoring a run while driving in another, as Toryn Helle had two hits with two RBI and also earned the win inside the circle. Helle allowed seven hits with four strikeouts and no walks, throwing 65 of her 82 pitches for strikes.

“Coming off the weekend, I thought we played a smart softball game,” SEHS head coach Bill Shirbroun said. “Toryn continues to throw strikes and our defense played well behind her for the most part.

“We got production from everybody in our lineup, as nine different players scored a run and six had at least one hit.”

Mariah Myers was walked twice with an RBI and a run scored, Hadley Oswald had two hits and scored a run, and Faith Shirbroun had a hit with a run scored and an RBI.

Liv Andrew made her first varsity start, recording a hit with an RBI and a run scored to go along with a stolen base.

For Algona, Allison Trunkhill, Kayla Buscher and Emma Spear all had two hits each, with Spear driving in a pair.

St. Edmond returns to action on Wednesday when they can clinch the league title at Clarion-Goldfield/Dows.