Central softball team splits doubleheader with Luther
PELLA- The Central College softball team finished its stretch of 14 games in 13 days with a doubleheader split with Luther College.
The Dutch (20-6, 5-3 American Rivers) lost game one 12-5 but came back with an 11-2 win in five innings in game two.
In the opening game, Luther (20-14, 5-5 American Rivers) scored seven runs in the first inning, all with two outs, and added three more in the second. Despite being down early Central didn’t let down and combined for 10 hits to score its five runs. Included in these 10 hits, shortstop Haley Bach (senior, Council Bluffs, Lewis Central HS) went a perfect 4-4 with 2 RBIs.
After the second inning Jadyn Huisman (freshman, Treynor) pitched five innings allowing only two runs on three hits with a strike out.
“I liked how we competed and hung around, and Jadyn was the reason we were able to do that,” said coach George Wares. “That was encouraging to see her pitch five solid innings.”
Catcher Rylee Dunkin (sophomore, Hamilton, Twin Ceders HS), right fielder Mariah Parton (junior, Ankeny), and pinch hitter Emma Lenox (senior, Fremont, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont HS) all recorded RBIs. Left fielder Emma Jensen (senior, Earlham) had two hits and scored two runs.
The Dutch rebounded in game two scoring 11 runs, despite being held to five hits. They also drew five walks.
Third base Hannah Higgins (junior, Macomb, Ill.) led the squad with two hits while also having three RBIs and scored two runs. Dunkin also had a hit and an RBI. First base Addi Starr (freshman, Ankeny, Centennial HS) and Parton both recorded RBIs without a hit. Bach also added another hit, which at the time was seven consecutive hits, while also scoring three runs and adding an RBI.
“I like what we have been doing offensively,” Wares said. “Luther was able to take some of our speed away, but I am pleased with how we responded in game two.”
After giving up the seven runs in the first game pitcher Emma Beck (junior, Holland, Grundy Center HS) bounced back with a complete game in the second game of the day. She went five innings, allowing two runs on two hits.
“She competed and had better command,” Wares said. “The first inning snowballed on her in the first game, but we were pleased to see her come back and pitch the way she did in game two.”
The Dutch will travel to the American Rivers Conference leading Wartburg College Tuesday for a doubleheader that starts at 3 p.m.
