Abbie Thilges was one of the athletes hit hard by COVID-19 last year.

Just as the Iowa Central softball team was getting into the swing of things, the season was brought to a halt. For the former Johnston High School standout, it was a tough hill to overcome.

"The chaos from last year and losing our season was really hard," Thilges admits. "But being back out there playing the game I love is truly amazing."

And what an amazing start to the season it has been for the sophomore.

Thilges is batting .500 with 35 RBI, 33 runs, 19 stolen bases and six homers for the 11th-ranked Tritons, who have won 11 in a row heading into a doubleheader Wednesday with Iowa Lakes at Rogers Park. The outfielder also has a .946 slugging percentage and a .558 on-base. 

There was more change during the offseason for Thilges and Iowa Central when long-time head coach Rick Sandquist retired. Thilges and her family, though, have a long history with new skipper Bo Tjebben, who played with her father, Denny, at both Fort Dodge Senior High and Iowa Central.

"I chose Iowa Central because Coach Sandquist and Coach Tjebben have known my family for a long time and I knew they were great coaches, so I knew it was a great choice for me," Thilges said. "After losing Coach Sandquist, it was hard to see him go, but Coach Bo has really stepped up and has been an outstanding coach.

"Our team has improved so much from where we started in the fall with his help."

Iowa Central (16-8 overall, 10-0 in ICCAC) is hitting .362 as a team with 41 homers, 228 runs scored and 64 steals in 24 games. 

"Our team chemistry is really amazing," Thilges said. "With having a smaller team it has honestly made us grow closer with each other and made us all step up when we need to.

"I love this team and would do anything for them."

Before the 2020 season was called after 13 games, Thilges had recorded nine hits with 12 runs, a homer, five RBI, eight steals and eight walks. 

-By Dana Becker