The Southwestern softball team picked up its first conference victory Thursday, April 4, in a doubleheader split against NJCAA Division II 5th-ranked Iowa Central.

Freshman Amaya Porch played the role of hero for the Spartans, blasting a two-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning to give Southwestern an 8-6 come-from-behind victory over the rated Tritons in the first game of the doubleheader.

Southwestern fell behind 4-0 in the first inning of the game and trailed 6-0 after the top of the fourth inning. Ali Enright's solo home run in the bottom of the fourth inning got the Spartans on the board. Southwestern added three runs in the bottom of the fifth, including a two-run double by Enright. Ella Rutherford's RBI double down the left field line in the bottom of the sixth inning cut Iowa Central's lead to 6-5 and Kaitlyn Schad scored on a passed ball in the bottom of the seventh inning to send the game to extra innings.

Porch finished the game 3-for-5 at the plate with two runs scored, a double, home run and two RBIs. Schad also finished 3-5 with a pair of runs and two doubles with one RBI. Enright was 2-4 with a team-leading three RBI. Schad and Lindsay Rader each finished with one stolen base. Kelsey Tibbs pitched the complete 10 innings, scattering 10 hits and striking out three with two walks.

Southwestern dropped the nightcap of the twinbill 11-3 in five innings. Rutherford took the loss in the game, with Enright pitching four innings of relief. Heather Jessen was 2-2 at the plate, while Cayla Maitlen drove in a pair of runs and Porch had one RBI.

Southwestern, now 5-16 overall and 1-5 in ICCAC Division II play, travels to Ellsworth Community College Saturday before playing at Division II No. 7 Kirkwood on Sunday.