#14 Kirkwood Softball Sweeps #10 Iowa Central in Key ICCAC Matchup
Cedar Rapids, IA- In a pivotal ICCAC doubleheader with major regional tournament seeding implications, the Kirkwood Eagles took care of business at home, sweeping Iowa Central on Wednesday.
In Game 1, Kirkwood used timely hitting and a strong pitching performance from Peyton Paulsen to earn a 4-1 victory. Paulsen, who improved her record to 22-3, tossed a complete game, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out three. The Eagles broke through in the fourth inning when Sophia Kreutner delivered a clutch three-RBI double, giving Kirkwood a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Peyton Johnson and Kinsley Theobald each added multi-hit efforts to pace an efficient Eagles offense that finished with eight hits and no errors.
The nightcap proved to be a back-and-forth battle, but Kirkwood came through late to secure a 6-5 win. Kiya Johnson had a standout performance at the plate and in the circle, going 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, and an RBI, while also pitching into the seventh inning. After Iowa Central tied the game with a three-run seventh, Kirkwood responded immediately, walking it off thanks Rachael Schlotter's game winning single. Jessa DeMoss picked up the win in relief, recording the final two outs without allowing a baserunner. Shannon Finn and Brenna Ross also added key RBIs in the win.
With the sweep, Kirkwood strengthened its position in the ICCAC standings ahead of postseason play. The Eagles will close out the regular season this weekend with four home games against Hawkeye and Northeast.
