April 24, 2024

Spartans split series over weekend

By SCOTT VICKER

Southwestern Community College freshman catcher Lexi Herbert (center) fires a throw to first base for an out, as third baseman Brennan Banks (left) and first baseman Jill Vanderhoof (right) charge in on the play, as well, during a 12-3 win over Iowa Lakes on Saturday. Herbert drove in five runs in the victory. (CNA photo)

The Southwestern Community College softball team hosted a pair of ICCAC doubleheaders, sweeping Iowa Lakes on Saturday before being swept by Iowa Central on Sunday.

The Spartans bounced back to claim road wins of 5-3 and 11-3 over Graceland’s JV team Monday afternoon.

Southwestern’s bats had a field day Saturday against Iowa Lakes, winning by scores of 12-3 in six innings and 13-1 in five innings.

Freshman catcher Lexi Herbert and freshman right fielder Nikki Tennant each had a big game in the opening game against the Lakers.

Herbert finished 1-of-4 at the plate, but drove in five runs for the game, including a three-run, bases-clearing double in the bottom of the sixth inning to walk the Spartans off.

Tennant, meanwhile, finished 3-3 at the plate with a home run, a double and four RBI. Freshman third baseman Brennan Banks finished 3-3 with a double and two RBI in the win.

Sam Strand pitched 3 2/3 innings with four strikeouts and four walks, giving up one earned run on two hits. Malory Christiansen tossed 2 1/3 innings, with two strikeouts and one walk, giving up one unearned run on three hits.

In the second game against Iowa Lakes, Southwestern scored three runs in the first, four in the second and five in the third on its way to the 13-1 win.

Freshman second baseman Riley Coates finished 3-3 at the plate with a double, triple and two RBI. Emma Ferin was 2-2 with three RBI. Tennant roped an RBI double.

First baseman Katrina DeVore was 2-3 at the dish with two RBI. Gabby DuBois, Banks and shortstop Ashley Gibbs each drove in one run.

Christiansen pitched the complete game, giving up just one run and one hit, while striking out three with four walks.

Sunday’s games against Iowa Central didn’t go Southwestern’s way, however.

The Tritons took game on 5-2 in nine innings, scoring three runs in the top of the ninth for the win. Iowa Central then won 14-1 in six innings, thanks to a 12-run top of the sixth.

Trailing 2-0 in the opening game of Monday’s doubleheader at Graceland, Coates knotted the score a 2-2. A passed ball allowed the Spartans to take a 3-2 lead.

DuBois got an RBI base hit to make it 4-2 and then Tiernee Fichter drove in a run for the final 5-2 margin.

A Ferin two-run home run sparked the Spartans in the second game.

The Spartans, now 11-7 overall and 4-4 in ICCAC Division II play, return to action 2 p.m. Wednesday at home against Ellsworth Community College.