Stretching their win streak to nine and eclipsing 40 wins for the first time since 2019, Triton Softball swept their "Sophomore Weekend" with wins over Iowa Lakes and Ellsworth.
"It was great getting some big wins on an emotional weekend," said Triton Head Coach, Bo Tjebben. "We had solid pitching and timely hitting all weekend and made plays when we had too. They really played their hearts out."
Jayda Long had a gem on Friday afternoon to kick things off against Iowa Lakes. Long (18-3) gave up three hits with 10 strikeouts to lead the way in a 5-inning 8-0 victory. Long also surpassed 100 strikeouts (108) on the season. Cailyn Hardy, Kyra Kain, Carly Ryan, and Avery Mckinney each had an RBI in the win.
Trailing 4-3 going into the bottom of the fifth inning in game two, the Tritons would go on to score nine runs and pick up a 12-8 win. Kyra Kain had a triple with five RBI. Gracie Kirk added four RBI and Reagan Enright had a homerun with three RBI. Jaidan Abel (2-1) picked up the win on the mound.
Wins #40 and #41 would come on Saturday with a sweep of Ellsworth on "Sophomore Day". Down 4-2 in the opener, the Tritons would go on to score ten unanswered runs in a 12-4 victory. Kaylee Cary had a homerun and four RBI to lead the Tritons. Carly Ryan added a homerun and three RBI. Long picked up her 19th win of the season in the victory.
Tied 1-1 after four innings in game two, the Tritons would score four and secure a 5-1 win to complete the weekend sweep. Jadeyn Stahr (11-1) controlled the Panthers with a five-hit complete game outing for her eleventh win of the season. Sydney Wilson had two RBI and Gracie Kirk added a solo homerun. Sophomore captain, Kennedy Palmer, returned from injury and recorded two stolen bases.
With the victories, the Tritons now sit second in the conference standings behind only #4 DMACC as regional tournament play nears. Tjebben knows the importance of finishing strong. "Our conference is so tough. Anyone can be beaten on any given day," said Tjebben. "We have six conference games remaining and we have to take them one game at a time. We have to stay humble and confident."
Following Saturday's victories and their final regular season home games, the Tritons honored their twelve sophomore who have a 76-27 record in their two years at Iowa Central. Kaylee Cary, Reagan Enright, Cailyn Hardy, Emma Hoyle, Jayda Long, Breanna Nolte, Kennedy Palmer, Carly Ryan, Jadeyn Stahr, Brittany Tufvesson, Sydney Wilson, and Abagail Winter were recognized.
"The leadership of our sophomore captains, Bre and Kennedy, has been so important both on and off the field," said Tjebben. "This entire sophomore group has laid the foundation for the freshman to follow in their footsteps next year."
The #10 Tritons (41-6) travel to Cedar Rapids, IA on Wednesday (4/23) for a conference matchup with #14 Kirkwood. First pitch is set for 2:00 PM.
Find the Tritons full remaining schedule at https://www.ictritons.com/sports/sball/2024-25/schedule