By: Dana Becker 

Messenger Sports Staff 

The Iowa Central softball squad recognized their nine sophomores this weekend at Rogers Park while facing NIACC on Saturday and Kirkwood on Sunday.

The Trojans swept the Tritons, 5-4 and 8-5.

The visitors struck early in the opener, jumping out to a 5-0 lead after four. Iowa Central (31-17 overall, 14-8 in the league) battled back in the opener with three runs in the fifth and one more in the sixth, but would get no closer.

Emily Jones provided the big punch for NIACC (29-17, 18-4), hitting a home run while driving in three on three hits.

The nightcap saw the Trojans post a big inning early, plating seven in the second after the Tritons took a 1-0 lead. This time, Vanessa Koehler went deep as Madisyn Kelley, Madisyn Bauer and Koehler each drove in two.

The Tritons honored sophomores Aleena Sandy, Alexis Hansen, Tobi Topp, Calli Schell, Maria Jacobson, Katelyn Dennis, Gabriella Taber, Addy Dean, Callyn Curphy and Morgan Weeks.

"Regardless of the outcome, it was an honor to honor these sophomores," ICCC head coach Bo Tjebben said. "They have put in a lot of work and had a great season. We still have games and goals left, though, and we are going to continue working towards those as we close the year and enter postseason."

Kirkwood (40-10, 21-1), ranked seventh, picked up a sweep over Iowa Central on Sunday afternoon in the home finale by scores of 7-6 and 8-3.

Kennedy Palmer and Sydney Wilson each hit home runs in the twinbill for the Tritons.

Iowa Central heads to Iowa Falls on Wednesday for a doubleheader with Ellsworth. They close out the regular season at Des Moines Area on Saturday and at NIACC on Sunday.