#12 Kirkwood Goes 4-0 on the Weekend
ESTHERVILLE & CEDAR RAPIDS, IA- The Kirkwood Community College softball team was unstoppable this weekend, sweeping a four-game set with dominant performances against Iowa Lakes and #15 North Iowa Area Community College. The Eagles exploded for 49 runs across the series and showed off their power, discipline, and depth up and down the lineup.
Kiya Johnson Powers the Offense
If there was a standout of the weekend, it was sophomore slugger Kiya Johnson. The second baseman/pitcher was electric at the plate and on the mound. She smashed five home runs over the four games, including a jaw-dropping three-homer, 10-RBI game in Kirkwood's 19-0 win over Iowa Lakes on Saturday.
Johnson's weekend numbers were video game-like: 10 hits, 23 RBIs, and eight runs scored. She also earned two wins in the circle, including a complete-game effort against NIACC where she struck out one and allowed six earned runs over five innings.
Offense Erupts in Sweep of Iowa Lakes
Kirkwood's bats ignited early and often in Estherville. After a tight 8–6 win in Game 1, the Eagles poured it on in Game 2 with a 19–0 rout. The team tallied 20 hits and launched five home runs in the mercy-rule shortened contest.
Besides Johnson, big contributors included Sophia Kreutner (5 RBIs across both games) and Jessa DeMoss, who added long balls and timely hits of her own. Savannah Caves and McKenzie Kissell also chipped in with extra-base hits.
The Eagles stole bases at will, pressured the defense, and committed just one error over the two games — a testament to their sharp fielding and clean play.
Back-to-Back Wins vs. #15 NIACC Cap Off Dominant Run
Back home in Cedar Rapids on Sunday, Kirkwood kept rolling with 10–2 and 12–6 wins over NIACC.
Game 1 was highlighted by a six-run third inning where Rachael Schlotter and Kiya Johnson delivered clutch hits. Peyton Paulsen improved to 16–2 in the circle, allowing just two runs and striking out four.
In Game 2, the offense kept clicking. Peyton Johnson went deep and had three hits, while Ross and Theobald added big extra-base knocks. DeMoss added three hits and an RBI, and Johnson launched two more home runs to bring her total to five for the weekend.
The bullpen combo of Johnson and DeMoss sealed the deal, with DeMoss tossing two clean innings in relief.
Up next for the Eagles is a 4 game home-stand where they will take on Ellsworth this Wednesday and Iowa Lakes this Saturday.
