CEDAR RAPIDS - The Iowa Central softball team stole six bases, had two big innings at the plate and received a strong pitching performance from Madison Huisman to down Ellsworth here Saturday in Region XI-B Tournament action, 7-3.

Huisman went five innings, striking out three without a walk as the Tritons (31-26 overall) advanced to meet top-seed Kirkwood back here on Sunday. The Eagles moved on with a win over North Iowa Area earlier in the day.

Kenzie Rosenboom had a three-run homer in the third inning with Iowa Central down 2-0 on the scoreboard. The Tritons added three more runs in the fourth to gain control of the contest. 

"She's been our rock all year," Iowa Central head coach Bo Tjebben said of Rosenboom. "She's a sophomore who is committed to doing anything we need to win. Huisman gave us a great effort, our defense was locked in and we used our speed to give them problems."

Loghen Schnetzer, Abbie Thilges and Allyson Stewart each had two hits, Abby Wilson walked twice and scored two runs, and Rachel Newell also scored twice. Newell and Thilges stole two bases each while Mady Lange and Wilson each had one steal.

Rosenboom finished with four RBI and both Lange and Schnetzer had one each. 

Iowa Central did not walk a batter and committed just one error. They also drew six walks against Ellsworth pitchers. 

"We were patient and didn't try to do too much with any one pitch," Tjebben said. "On the bases, we took advantage of situations and were able to do enough to move on. 

"This time of year, that is all that matters: survive and advance."

Iowa Central and Kirkwood will meet at noon. The winner moves into the 4 p.m. game while the loser faces either Ellsworth at 2 p.m. in an elimination game. 

-By Dana Becker