The Iowa Central softball team battled and pushed third-ranked Des Moines Area here Friday afternoon at Rogers Park.

In the end, the Bears escaped with a sweep by scores of 6-4 and 8-4.

DMACC plated three runs in the seventh to claim the opener, erasing a 4-3 deficit. Riley Gilroy continued her strong freshman season, hitting a home run, while Olivia Harmon and Carlie Thompson each had two hits.

All three scored a run, as did Amber McKinney, with Thompson, Sydney Ballard and Mady Lange adding an RBI each.

Mackenzie Crampton struck out five over six innings, with Olivia Engler picking up two strikeouts.

"We just couldn't get that timely hit when we needed it," Iowa Central head coach Bo Tjebben said. "We battled and really played well against a very, very good team.

"This is a confident group that has been playing solid softball as of late. We've just got to keep pushing forward."

The Bears plated three insurance runs in the sixth in the nightcap. Loghen Schnetzer hit a home run and drove in two with two hits and two walks, while Gilroy had three hits and scored a run.

Harmon and Thompson each scored a run, as well.

These two teams complete their four-game series here on Saturday with Sophomore Day between games. First-pitch is set for 1 p.m.

-By Dana Becker