Kirkwood Softball Splits Weekend Series Against Iowa Lakes and NIACC
The Kirkwood Eagles softball team wrapped up a four-game ICCAC weekend slate with a 2-2 record, taking one win apiece from Iowa Lakes and NIACC. Strong pitching performances and timely hitting helped the Eagles stay competitive throughout the series.
Game 1 vs. Iowa Lakes – Win, 2-1
Kirkwood opened the weekend with a tight 2-1 win over Iowa Lakes. Peyton Paulsen was dominant in the circle, throwing a complete game with nine strikeouts and allowing just three hits and one run.
The Eagles got on the board early with a solo home run from Jenna Thurm and an RBI double from Peyton Johnson. Seven different players recorded hits in the balanced offensive effort.
Game 2 vs. Iowa Lakes – Loss, 9-1
In the second game of the doubleheader, Kirkwood was held in check as Iowa Lakes posted a 9-1 victory. Despite eight hits from the Eagles, they struggled to string together offense.
Rachael Schlotter drove in the team's only run with a single in the fifth inning. Kinsley Theobald and Mischa Reiners each had doubles, but Iowa Lakes pulled away with a five-run seventh inning.
Game 3 at NIACC – Win, 6-0
Peyton Paulsen once again led the way, tossing a complete-game shutout against NIACC in a 6-0 win. She struck out eight and scattered five hits across seven innings.
Peyton Johnson drove in three runs on two hits, while Rachael Schlotter, Kiya Johnson, and Savannah Caves also contributed offensively. The Eagles put up a four-run fifth inning to take control of the game.
Game 4 at NIACC – Loss, 5-4
Kirkwood closed the series with a narrow 5-4 loss. The Eagles led 4-2 heading into the bottom of the fourth, but NIACC's three-run inning proved to be the difference.
Sophia Kreutner hit a home run and added an RBI double, while Kinsley Theobald added two RBIs on two hits. Four different pitchers saw action for the Eagles, with Natalie Vitek taking the loss in relief.
Series Notes:
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Peyton Paulsen pitched 14 innings over two starts, allowing just one run and striking out 17.
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Sophia Kreutner hit safely in all four games, including a home run and double in the NIACC finale.
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Peyton Johnson totaled five RBIs on the weekend and had a multi-hit game in each win.
