The Clear Lake softball team is hoping a tougher schedule helps them takethe final step to a class 2A state championship this summer. Clear Lakefinished second in 1997 and was 42-2 last season, including an upset loss inthe opening round of the state tournament. Lions coach Troy Heller says hegot the advice to play tough opponents from the coach who has led CedarRapids Jefferson to back-to-back 3A titles.Pitcher Kristin Keefe will lead Clear Lake again after being named 2A playerof the year last season.Clear Lake will also play 2A runner-up Perry and play in the Charles Citytournament.