The Iowa Central softball team already has 10 games under their belt. By the time they return to Iowa, though, that number will have doubled.

For the first time in three years, the Tritons will head to Florida to play 11 games beginning Friday in Titusville. 

While gaining momentum and confidence at the plate and in the field is important, second-year head coach Bo Tjebben knows the trip is more than just that.

"I sat the girls down at practice and we talked about there being more to life than softball," Tjebben said. "This trip is about that. Bonds are formed, friendships grown. These girls have earned the right to take this trip and I want it to be something they will remember for a lifetime. 

"They aren't going to remember the wins or losses as much as they'll remember the experiences with their best friends. I think they are really excited for it."

Iowa Central is 3-7 on the year after playing games in Texas, Kansas and Burlington inside a dome. The chance to feel real dirt and wind is something Tjebben thinks his team is anxious for.

"Getting dirty," he said. "Diving for grounders, diving back to bases; these girls are ready to get outside and do all of that. I think getting into a rhythm and routine of playing several games will be good for us - both the returning sophomores and new freshmen."

The Tritons are also getting a player back, as All-American and former Fort Dodge Senior High all-stater Loghen Schnetzer has been cleared. Schnetzer underwent knee surgery during the offseason after making program history last year. 

"It's going to be great having her back in the lineup," Tjebben said. "We are going to be smart and take it slow, but I know she's excited as well. And having her in the heart of the batting order is going to give us so much confidence."

Sophomores Sydney Vogel, Carlie Thompson, Mikhaela Muir, Mady Lange, Mackenzie Crampton and Kyrslynn Ruppert join Schnetzer. They helped Iowa Central finish with 31 wins last year.

"Mady's our captain and just a tremendous leader," Tjebben said. "That sophomore group has gone through a lot with COVID and everything else. It's been nice to give them somewhat of a 'normal' college experience this year. They really do a good job of showing the freshmen what we expect out of them on the field, in practice and in classes."

Schnetzer hit .410 with 27 homers and 83 RBI a year ago, while Thompson batted .358 with 47 RBI and nine homers. Lange hit .347 and scored 44 runs with Muir recording 30 hits and six wins inside the circle, striking out 75. Ruppert saw action in 20 games at catcher. 

Thompson and Lange are both former Humboldt standouts, while Crampton, who missed last season recovering from an injury, shined at Southeast Valley. Tjebben has continued to make it a priority to sign local and area talent, adding FDSH grad Sophia Klinger and Humboldt multi-sport athlete Jori Hajek, who was a starter on the Triton volleyball team that reached nationals in the fall.

"It's always been something we've tried to do," Tjebben said. "It's important that we sign those girls because they really help define our program as hard-working, great kids who are always willing to put in the time."

Rounding out the freshman class is Amber McKinney, Riley Gilroy, Olivia Harmon, Holly Dierenfield, Ayden Pollitt, Chloe Mickelson, Olivia Engler, Taylor Lee, Sydney Ballard and Myra Megli. 

-By Dana Becker