By: Dana Becker 

Messenger Sports Staff

For eight Iowa Central softball team members, Sunday was extra special at Rogers Park.

Between a doubleheader sweep of Northeast, the Tritons honored their sophomores, as the group improved to 24-21 on the year and an even 9-9 in the ICCAC.

Scores were 10-2 and 8-0, with both games ending early in the fifth inning due to the mercy rule.

Amber McKinney, Riley Gilroy, Olivia Harmon, Chloe Mickelson, Taylor Lee, Sydney Ballard, Jori Hajek and Myra Megli were recognized during the afternoon.

In both games, the Tritons got off to fast starts, plating three runs in the first inning of the opener and four in the nightcap. Ballard was 3-for-3 with three runs and two RBI in the opener, while Gilroy, McKinney and Hajek each had two hits, including a homer and three RBI from Hajek.

"This group of sophomores has really grown into a complete unit together," ICCC head coach Bo Tjebben said. "We counted on them last year as freshmen to help our team, but this season, we have really relied on them for leadership, accountability and their skills on the softball diamond.

"I am so proud of this group for what they have given to this team and program, and excited to see what the rest of the season holds."

Lee picked up the win, striking out three with just two hits allowed. Both runs scored by Northeast were unearned.

Ballard was 2-for-2 in the nightcap, as she has now gone 15-for-15 over her last 15 at-bats. Megli hit a homer and drove in three, with Harmon recording three hits and Gabriella Taber three RBI with two hits.

Harmon stole three bases and Gilroy picked up the win, striking out six with two hits allowed.

"What Sydney is doing right now, I don't think I've ever seen," Tjebben said. "She is just seeing the ball so well. We're getting great production throughout the lineup and strong pitching. It has been a lot of fun to watch them over these past couple of weeks."

These two teams square off once again back here on Monday for a twinbill beginning at 2 p.m.