October 16, 2024

Tritons sweep SWCC softball

By LARRY PETERSON

Southwestern first baseman Halsie Barnes of Mount Ayr throws to second baseman Abbi Conrad covering first base after an Iowa Central bunt. Looking on is Southwestern pitcher Emily McIntosh. Barnes had three hits and an RBI in the doubleheader loss to the Tritons. (Photos by LARRY PETERSON)

Failing to finish promising innings haunted the Southwestern softball team in a doubleheader loss to Iowa Central Tuesday afternoon.

The Spartans took a 2-0 lead through two innings in the opener, but gave up four runs in each the third and fifth frames in an 8-4 loss. Iowa Central stormed out of the gates in game two to take an 8-0 lead before Southwestern’s offense revived, but not quite enough in a 10-4 defeat.

Southwestern stranded 11 baserunners in the opener. While mounting the comeback in game two the Spartans managed just one run after loading the bases in the fifth. The offense did erupt for three runs in the sixth, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the huge early deficit.

Southwestern catcher Peyton Rice of Creston runs to first base after a bunt in game one Tuesday vs. Iowa Central. Rice was safe on an error on the play, resulting in a Spartan run as Rice advanced to third base on the play. Rice also had a hit in the second game of the doubleheader. (Photo by LARRY PETERSON)

“We had our chances,” SWCC coach Danny Jensen said. “We had the bases juiced in the third inning in the first game and got one run. Later we had second and third with no outs and didn’t score. We just didn’t finish innings. We had one error in each of their four-run innings, which also hurt us.”

Freshman Taryn Ganstrom started both games and suffered both decision losses, relieved in the fifth in game one and the sixth in game two by Emily McIntosh.

In the second game, McIntosh had the big bat for Southwestern with a double and sacrifice fly RBI. Ganstrom and Shey Storesund each singled and drove in a run. Others with one hit each were Gabby Newman, Halsie Barnes, Julia Schechinger and Peyton Rice.

Ganstrom had two hits and an RBI in the opener and Storesund rapped a run-scoring double. Ashton Willis also doubled. Providing two hits each were Barnes and Conrad with Barnes garnering one RBI.

“Halsie was hitting the ball hard all day and had a good eye at the plate (two walks),” Jensen said.

Southwestern freshman Taryn Ganstrom sends a pitch to catcher Bethany Wright during Tuesday's doubleheader against Iowa Central. (Photo by LARRY PETERSON)

Iowa Central improved to 22-21-1. Southwestern, falling to 10-24, continues a week-long homestand against Moberly (Missouri) on Thursday, Central of Columbus (Nebraska) on Friday before hosting ICCAC Division I leader Indian Hills in doubleheaders on Saturday (1 p.m.) and Sunday (noon). T.J. Stoaks of Lenox plays for Indian Hills (30-8), which has received votes in the Division I national poll.

Larry Peterson

LARRY PETERSON

Former senior feature writer at Creston News Advertiser and columnist. Previous positions include sports editor for many years and assistant editor. Also a middle school basketball coach in Creston.