The Southwestern Community College softball team has reached the midway point of the 2024-25 season with a 13-12 overall record and a 2-4 mark in Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) play. The Spartans currently sit fourth in the conference standings as of March 30, trailing league leader Indian Hills (6-0), Southeastern (3-3), and Iowa Western (3-3).
Despite some tough matchups, Southwestern has remained competitive, putting up solid offensive numbers and showing resilience on the field.
Offensive Firepower
The Spartans' offense has been a bright spot, boasting a .362 team batting average with 168 total runs scored through 25 games. Sophomore Brooklyn Hadl has led the way at the plate, hitting an impressive .482 with 40 hits, 32 runs scored, and 17 extra-base hits, including five triples and four home runs. Freshman Emma Moore has also been a key contributor, batting .427 with 35 hits and 14 RBIs.
Power has come from multiple sources, including Calie Allen (.346 avg, 5 HR, 14 RBI) and Erika Kruse (.394 avg, 3 HR, 23 RBI), while speed on the bases has been provided by Hadl (16 stolen bases) and Moore (6 stolen bases).
Pitching and Defensive Struggles
On the mound, the Spartans have had mixed results, posting a team ERA of 5.18. Freshman Bailey Hosbach has been the most consistent arm, leading the staff with an 8-3 record and a 4.70 ERA across 50.2 innings pitched. Kruse (4.34 ERA, 36 strikeouts) and Cora Ostrem (4.40 ERA, 35 strikeouts) have also been key contributors in the circle.
Defensively, the Spartans hold a .938 fielding percentage but have struggled with errors at key moments, committing 39 on the season. Strong play from infielders Hadl (.979 fielding percentage) and Moore (.940 fielding percentage) has helped stabilize the defense.
Recent Results and Looking Ahead
Southwestern is coming off a mixed stretch of games, splitting a doubleheader with Iowa Western (L, 10-8; W, 16-14) and securing two decisive wins over Dakota County Technical College (9-1, 13-5). However, the team fell short against Kansas City Kansas Community College (L, 7-0).
As conference play continues, the Spartans will need to tighten up defensively and continue their offensive production to move up in the ICCAC standings. With key matchups ahead, the team looks to build momentum and make a push toward the postseason.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Spartans battle through the 2024-25 season.