Eagles Cap Historic 60-Win Season at NJCAA World Series
SPARTANBURG, SC- The #1 Kirkwood Eagles softball team closed out a historic 2026 season with a deep run at the NJCAA Division II Softball World Series in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Entering the tournament as the overall No. 1 seed, the Eagles battled through one of the toughest fields in the country before finishing the year with a program-record 60 victories and a final record of 60-7.
Opening Round – Eagles Roll Past Grand Rapids
Kirkwood opened the World Series on May 19 against Grand Rapids Community College, the winner of the 16/17 play-in game, and immediately showed why it entered the tournament as the nation's top seed.
The Eagles exploded offensively in an 11-3 victory shortened to five innings.
Kirkwood scored in every inning it came to the plate, opening with three runs in the first inning before adding two in the second, three in the third, and three more in the fourth.
Mischa Reiners delivered one of the best offensive performances of the tournament, finishing a perfect 4-for-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored. Breckin De La Rosa added two doubles and four RBIs, while Kinsley Theobald scored three times.
Macie Fisher provided a huge spark on the bases, scoring three runs while stealing three bases. Shannon Finn added two stolen bases as Kirkwood constantly pressured Grand Rapids defensively.
Inside the circle, Libby Trewin earned the win after allowing just three hits and striking out five over five innings.
After Grand Rapids briefly cut the lead to 5-3 in the third inning, the Eagles immediately responded with six unanswered runs to put the game out of reach.
Game 2 – Eagles Defeat Familiar Foe DMACC
Two days later, Kirkwood squared off against ICCAC rival DMACC in a matchup between two teams extremely familiar with one another. The Eagles used a dominant middle stretch to earn an 8-3 victory and advance to the national semifinals.
After a scoreless first inning, Kirkwood broke through with three runs in the second before erupting for five more in the third inning to seize complete control of the contest.
Reiners continued her incredible World Series run, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs and four stolen bases. Shannon Finn delivered a two-run double, while Breckin De La Rosa launched a home run.
One of the biggest moments of the game came from Alley Gorsh, who ripped a pinch-hit three-run triple to help blow the game open.
Camryn Johnson scored twice and reached base multiple times, while Reese Stockman also crossed the plate twice as Kirkwood capitalized on nearly every scoring opportunity.
Trewin once again delivered inside the circle, throwing a complete game while allowing just one earned run despite DMACC collecting nine hits.
Game 3 – Pearl River Halts Eagles
Kirkwood's first loss of the tournament came against fifth-seeded Pearl River in a high-scoring semifinal matchup on May 22.
Despite jumping out early offensively, the Eagles eventually fell 11-5 in a game filled with momentum swings.
Kirkwood matched Pearl River early, scoring two runs in the first inning and two more in the second to keep pace with the Wildcats. Mischa Reiners continued her huge tournament with a two-run home run, while Breckin De La Rosa added a two-run double and Ella Trenkamp chipped in an RBI single.
Reiners finished with two runs scored and reached base three times, while Camryn Johnson doubled and scored during the early innings as the Eagles briefly grabbed momentum.
Pearl River's offense ultimately proved too much to contain. The Wildcats pounded out 15 hits, including three home runs, and broke the game open with a four-run seventh inning.
Game 4 – Eagles' Historic Season Comes to a Close
Awaiting Kirkwood in the elimination bracket was another matchup with DMACC, setting up an all-Iowa showdown.
DMACC pitcher Kierra Jungers delivered a dominant performance, throwing a complete-game no-hitter with 15 strikeouts as the Eagles fell 3-0.
DMACC scored all three runs in the second inning on a three-run home run by Morgan Neuroth, and that proved to be enough support for Jungers inside the circle.
Despite the offensive struggles, Kirkwood continued to compete throughout the game. Trewin kept the Eagles within striking distance all afternoon, allowing just five hits across seven innings while striking out three.
The 2026 squad finished with a program-record 60 victories, a remarkable run at the NJCAA Division II World Series, and cemented itself as one of the premier teams in the nation.
