SAYDEL — The ninth-ranked (Class 1A) St. Edmond softball team made it tough on No. 7 (3A) Saydel here Thursday night before falling 4-1.

Faith Shirbroun connected on a solo home run for the second night in a row in the sixth inning, cutting the deficit to 2-1. The Eagles, though, added two more in the sixth to provide Dakota Lake with enough of a cushion.

Lake, one of the top strikeout pitchers in the state, finished with 11 while allowing just three hits and the Shirbroun homer. She issued just one walk on the night.

Coming into the game, Lake had recorded 183 strikeouts in just under 102 innings pitched this year. The senior led Saydel to a fourth place finish at state last season.

“We were right there with them all night outside of a couple mistakes in the field,” SEHS head coach Bill Shirbroun said. “She’s a tremendous pitcher and we knew we’d have to really attack her to get on the board.”

Lauren Gibb and Anna Kolacia each had a hit for St. Edmond (17-11 overall), who had its two-game win streak snapped. Kolacia, who also reached base when she was hit by a pitch, stole two bases and Gibb had one steal.

Payton Bradley fired a five-hitter with five strikeouts, as just two of the four runs scored were earned. She walked two batters and only allowed one extra-base hit.

“Faith made great contact and both Lauren and Anna had good at-bats too,” Shirbroun said. “We had a number of girls really work hard in there, and once again, Payton delivered a tremendous outing against a very good hitting club.

“I know I keep saying it, but these games are what will make us the best version we can be come postseason.”

Up next for the Gaels will be a return to North Central Conference action when they travel to Algona on Friday night.

St. Edmond hosts its own invitational at Rogers Park on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m.