Central softball team splits opening two games

The Dutch handed Washington-St. Louis its first loss

by Peter Leithauser

Pella, IA (03/03/2025) — ST. LOUIS, MO.- Opening its season in St. Louis, Missouri, the Central college softball team split its opening two games.

The Dutch earned a 4-3 extra inning win against the University of Washington-St. Louis in the second game of the day. Pitcher Emma Beck (junior, Holland, Grundy Center HS) threw a complete game to hand Washington-St Louis its first loss of the season, meanwhile the comeback came up just short against No. 20 ranked Calvin College. Beck allowed three runs on eight hits while also striking out two hitters in her eight innings of work against the Bears.

"Overall, I am pleased with how we played," said coach George Wares. "It is difficult to start the season off against two really good teams, but it is good to see this competition early to let us see what we need to continue to improve on. Calvin's pitcher was an all-region selection last season, but for us to respond and hand Washington-St. Louis its first loss of the season was great to see."

Leading the offense against Washington-St. Louis was catcher Rylee Dunkin (Hamilton, Twin Ceders HS), who had two hits while also driving in a run and scoring another. Second base Haley Bach (senior, Council Bluffs, Lewis Central HS) also had two hits, and a walk, while also scoring a run. Right fielder Mariah Parton (junior, Ankeny) was the third Central hitter with two hits as she also recorded her first RBI of the season, which ended up being the winning run.

"Bach and Dunkin continued to do what they do," Wares said. "Dunkin was steady and extremely competitive. There were positives from a lot of our offense today."

In the extra frame, a Parton single brought in the go-ahead RBI in the top of the eighth combined with Beck getting two key outs with a runner at third base pushed the Dutch over the Bears.

Against Calvin the offense got off to a slow start being held scoreless for six innings before Dunkin singled to start the seventh inning. Bach followed and brought in two runs with a double. With the tying run on second base the Dutch rally was halted.

Pitcher Rylie Van Wyk (junior, Mitchellville, Southeast Polk HS) came in relief to finish the game and pitched three scoreless innings only allowing three hits.

"Van Wyk was very solid in her innings today," Wares said.

The Dutch will return Saturday back in St. Louis facing off again against Calvin at 11 a.m. and Washington- St. Louis at 3 p.m.

"What we like about this opening weekend is the quality pitching that we will see, and we can see how our offense handles these tough pitchers," Wares said.

Haley

Bach