Central splits a doubleheader on the road

Jadyn Huisman earned her first career win

by Peter Leithauser

Jacksonville, IL (03/24/2025) — A late week schedule change took the Central College softball team to take on Illinois College, and the two teams split a doubleheader.

In the opening game, the Dutch (7-3) were walked off 8-7 in the bottom of the seventh after taking the lead in the top of the inning. In the second game, pitcher Jadyn Huisman (freshman, Treynor) threw her first collegiate complete game and earned her first career win, as Central won 9-0 in five innings.

"In the first game, we made some defensive blunders, and left runners on base," coach George Wares said. "In the second game our approach was great at the plate, and we had quality at bats from all of our hitters."

In her complete game, Huisman pitched all five innings only allowing only two hits and had three strikeouts.

"It was great to see Huisman pitch like that, going five innings earning her first career win," said Wares.

In the win, Central blitzed the Lady Blues (8-8) scoring six runs in the top of the first inning. The first four hitters reached base safely, highlighted with a Hannah Higgins (junior, Macomb, Ill.) RBI single, before Larissa Miller (sophomore, Ankeny) and Higgins both scored on wild pitches. First base Addi Star (freshman, Ankeny, Centennial HS) had a two-RBI single, and Mariah Parton stole home to wrap up the scoring in the first inning.

The Dutch would add on in the fourth inning as shortstop Haley Bach (senior, Council Bluffs, Lewis Central HS), Higgins and infielder Ali Henry (freshman, Osceola, Clarke HS) scored.

In the two games combined Bach was 5-for-7 and scored five runs, added an RBI and a walk. One of her hits was a game tying triple in the top of the seventh inning. Higgins was 4-for-7, scored two runs and had three RBIs. Designated player Alexa Anderson (senior, Mount Ayr) was 3-for-4, with two walks, in the two games while also bringing in three RBIs.

"It was great to see Bach, Higgins and Anderson all hit the ball well," Wares said.

In the loss, pitcher Chloe Dougherty (senior, Alleman, North Polk HS) pitched three innings out of relief, and allowed three runs, on three hits while also striking out three hitters.

"Dougherty gave us the best innings she has thrown this season so far," said Wares.

The Dutch are slated to travel to Mankato, Minnesota Saturday to take on Bethany Lutheran College Saturday with a doubleheader starting at 11 a.m.

Alexa

Anderson