Iowa Conference softball race expected to be close again

The Iowa Conference softball race begins this weekend and another crowded race for the title is expected. Coe opens the league race at defending champion Central on Saturday. Coe is off to a quick start to the season. Coach Bob Timmons’ team opens the conference race with a record of 16-2. He says Wartburg and Simpson have good pitching and Central always has a good team.The Iowa Conference is considered to be one the country’s best in division three but some good teams will be left out of NCAA regionals. Only league champ Central advanced a year ago. Timmons says that should change in the future as they’re adding twelve more at-large teams. He says the conference should get two or three in and maybe some years four. Wartburg is 16-3 and opens at home against Loras. Wartburg coach Kara Kehe (Kay) knew she had a talented team heading into the season. She says they also knew they had some young and inexperienced players, but she says they’ve come together as a group. Jackie Sorensen leads a solid pitching staff and Wartburg has averaged just over six runs per game. Kehe says the Iowa Conference has so many good teams there is little room for error. She says they talk about how one defensive play, one pitch or one at-bat could make a difference in the conference. Luther is 11-2 and opens at Buena Vista. Simpson is another one of the favorites and will open league action next week.