The Iowa Lakes Community College Softball team split with Central Community College in their first conference match up. The Lakers took game one 7-2, before dropping game two 9-3. The Lakers are now 18-4 overall and 1-1 in conference.
GAME 1: 7 (ILCC), 2 (CCC)
The Lakers struck first in the opening inning, as Korilynn Christians singled and then advanced to third on a Gracie Knobloch single. Karlee Akers then scored Christians on a clutch RBI double to give the Lakers a 1-0 lead.
After being held scoreless in the second, the Lakers broke through again in the third inning. Christians delivered a double to spark the offense, while Knobloch followed with a hit to put runners in scoring position. Akers drove in a run with a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to 2-0.
Central cut the lead in half, scoring one run in the bottom of the fifth. The first runner reached on an error and then around to score on a triple. The Raiders followed with a fielder's choice. The Lakers buckled down getting out of the jam without giving up another run.
The game remained 2-1 until the seventh inning, when Iowa Lakes erupted offensively. Kassidy Elkins led off the inning with a single and then stole second. Leah Bode executed a sacrifice bunt, followed by a squeeze that was put down by Marrissa Miller. Miller then stole second and then advanced to third on a single from Kaitlyn DuChateau. Christians then delivered a key two-run double, and Knobloch and Katie Kvigne each added RBI doubles to cap a five-run inning and giving the Lakers a 7-1 lead.
In the bottom half, Central attempted to respond, scoring on a single and taking advantage of a defensive miscue. However, the Lakers defense held firm, highlighted by a lineout to DuChateau at shortstop to secure the final out.
Korilynn Christians was the leader at the plate for the Lakers, going 3-4 with two doubles, three runs batted in, and two runs scored. Gracie Knobloch was also 3-4 with one double, one RBI, and one run scored. Katie Kvigne threw all seven innings, allowing two runs, zero earned, on eight hits and striking out six.
GAME 2: 9 (CCC), 3 (ILCC)
The Lakers showed early promise in the top of the first inning when Christians hit a double to center field. However, Central worked out of the jam and carried momentum into the bottom half, plating two runs to take an early 2-0 lead.
Central continued to apply pressure in the second inning, adding another run to extend its lead to 3-0. The game broke open in the third, as Central erupted for six runs on a string of hits and walks, pushing the advantage to 9-0.
Iowa Lakes responded in the fourth inning with its strongest offensive showing of the game. Christians and Knobloch each singled to spark the rally before Akers delivered a clutch RBI double to right field, bringing in a run. Kvigne followed with a sacrifice fly to score another, and Elkins added an RBI double later in the inning to cut the deficit to 9-3.
Despite the momentum shift, the Lakers were unable to generate additional offense over the final three innings. Central's defense held strong, limiting Iowa Lakes to just one baserunner in the final frame.
Korilynn Christians was 2-4 with a double to lead the Lakers offense. Macy Pickett took the loss, throwing 5.1 innings. She allowed three runs, one earned, on seven hits and two walks, while striking out four.
Iowa Lakes will travel to Hawkeye Community College on Saturday, March 21st, to take on the Redtails at 1:00 and 3:00 PM.
Photo ID: Picture of Iowa Lakes Softball team attached.
MEDIA: For more information, please contact Head Softball Coach, Katie King at (712) 362-8367 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-7928.