CEDAR RAPIDS - The Iowa Central softball team gained some confidence here Saturday, splitting with eighth-ranked Kirkwood.

The Eagles won the opener, 8-2, but the Tritons rebounded with a 10-2 triumph in the nightcap. The games were played at Mount Mercy's field due to the weather.

Iowa Central (29-15 overall, 10-8 in ICCAC) jumped out early on Kirkwood, plating three runs in the first, three in the third and three more in the fourth to take a 9-0 lead. 

Mady Lange and Loghen Schnetzer each hit a home run, while Sydney Ballard was 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs. Lange drove in three and both Schnetzer and Amber McKinney had a pair of RBI.

"It was so great to see us attack at the plate," Iowa Central head coach Bo Tjebben said. "The girls were confident and that just continued to carry over inning after inning. I think (the performance in game two) really showed what we are capable of."

Olivia Engler was strong inside the circle, striking out 10 while allowing just three hits and two runs to earn the win. 

Olivia Harmon and Carlie Thompson each had two hits, with Thompson scoring three runs. Jori Hajek had a hit and a stolen base. 

"Engler did a tremendous job of keeping them off balance and our defense was flawless behind her," Tjebben said. "Hopefully, we can come out and do it again on Sunday."

In the opener, McKinney had two hits including a double with an RBI. Mackenzie Crampton recorded eight strikeouts. 

These two teams square off again on Sunday at noon for a doubleheader. 

-By Dana Becker