#14 Kirkwood Softball Takes Two from Northeast, Drops Pair to #7 DMACC

Norfolk, NE & Boone, IA- The Kirkwood Eagles softball team went 2-2 this past weekend, sweeping Northeast Community College on Friday before falling in both games of a doubleheader to Des Moines Area Community College on Saturday.

Friday vs. Northeast Kirkwood's offense exploded in Friday's opener, putting up 11 runs on 13 hits in an 11-5 win over Northeast. Kiya Johnson had a standout game, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs, including a home run and a double. Brenna Ross matched her with three hits and three RBIs, also homering and doubling. Peyton Paulsen earned the win in the circle with six strong innings, striking out nine and allowing just two earned runs.

In Game 2, the Eagles picked up right where they left off. They scored 16 runs on 15 hits in a 16-0 five-inning run-rule victory. Peyton Johnson and Kiya Johnson both drove in four runs. Mischa Reiners added three RBIs, and Ross collected her second three-hit game of the day. Natalie Vitek, Kiya Johnson, and Jessa DeMoss combined for the shutout, allowing just six hits.

Saturday vs. DMACC The Eagles dropped a close battle in Game 1 against DMACC, 8-7 in extra innings. Kirkwood led 6-2 entering the sixth before the Bears rallied with four runs in the bottom half and eventually walked it off in the eighth. Peyton Johnson went 2-for-4 with an RBI, while Kiya Johnson, Jenna Thurm, and Jessa DeMoss also drove in runs. Paulsen took the loss despite allowing only three earned runs across seven innings.

In Game 2, DMACC held Kirkwood scoreless in an 8-0 loss. The Eagles managed just four hits and were unable to capitalize on three walks. Vitek, DeMoss, and Kiya Johnson split pitching duties.

Next up for Kirkwood is a six-game homestand beginning Wednesday with two games against Iowa Central, followed by a Saturday doubleheader against Hawkeye and a Sunday twin bill against Northeast to close out the ICCAC regular season.