Central softball team extends winning streak
ELIZABETHTOWN, KY.- The Central College softball team opened the Pioneer Classic with a pair of wins.
In the first game of the day the Dutch (6-2) took down Adrian College (Mich.) 9-7. The team returned to the field in the afternoon and beat Muskingum University (Ohio) 8-1.
Against Adrian, the Dutch totaled 11 hits and six walks. In the first inning after three walks, Alexa Anderson (senior, Mount Ayr) hit a bases clearing double to give the Dutch an early lead. The Dutch would jump out to a 7-0 lead and hang on for the victory.
Center fielder Carley Underwood (sophomore, Mitchellville, Colfax-Mingo HS) had two hits, scored four runs and stole three bases in the two games combined. Left fielder Emma Jenson (senior, Earlham) recorded three hits and three RBI in the games.
“Jenson was able to brake loose and we were able to run the bases as a team well, which puts pressure on the defense,” coach George Wares said. “Underwood has been more confident, and it was good to get her going. She is going to continue to get better in the No. 9 spot in the lineup.
Pitcher Emma Beck (junior, Holland, Grundy Center HS) threw 2.1 scoreless innings, getting the start in game one and she threw her third complete game of the season in the second game. She allowed one run on seven hits and added two strikeouts in the complete game.
“In the second game she was as sharp as she has ever been,” Wares said. “She was efficient and accurate.”
In the game against the Muskies, after the game was tied 1-1, Central scored seven unanswered runs, including two runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings to pull away for the win.
Shortstop Haley Bach (senior, Council Bluffs, Lewis Central HS) had two hits and a walk, while also scoring twice in the second win, and third base Hannah Higgins junior, Macomb, Ill.) added three RBI in the same game. Jadyn Huisman (freshman, Treynor) was strong on both sides throwing a scoreless inning in the first game followed up by bringing in an RBI at the plate in the second.
The Pioneer Classic will continue Saturday and Central has a pair of games starting against Greenville University (Ill.) at 10 a.m. EST. No. 25 ranked Depauw University (Ind.) will follow with first pitch at 2:30 p.m.
