Payton Andersen and the Iowa Central softball team have had no troubles escaping the cold and heating up the bats in both Florida and Oklahoma.

Especially Andersen.

The sophomore hit .643 with four homers, seven RBI and a 1.786 slugging percentage in four Triton wins to earn NJCAA Softball Div. II Player of the Week honors. Andersen also picked up ICCAC honors for her effort.

"It is very rewarding," Andersen said. "I've never had an honor like this and it's even better having all my teammates, coaches and family be just as happy for me as I am. It's an awesome feeling having that kind of support all around.

"They're what makes this game so fun."

In nine games this year, Andersen is hitting .500 with eight RBI, 11 runs, three doubles and three steals. The Indianola native batted .411 with nine homers, 51 RBI, 43 runs, 12 doubles, seven steals and 67 hits for Iowa Central a season ago. 

The Tritons, who are 6-3 on the year, are hitting .346 as a team with 21 homers and a .675 slugging percentage. They have scored 44 runs in their last four games - all wins. 

"I think the rest of the team and I had such a good weekend because we were all just so excited to be outside and playing, no matter what the weather was and we all just kind of built off each other," Andersen said. "We were more than ready to redeem ourselves from our weekend in Florida. We've all worked very hard and this past weekend we showed how much it's paying off.

"I think it's going to be a great season for our team and I'm excited."

Iowa Central is scheduled to play in Iowa for the first time on March 28 at North Iowa Area with the home opener set for the next day at Rogers Park vs. Des Moines Area.