The Luther College softball team has the lead in the Iowa Conference race as it heads into the home stretch. The Norse are 11-1 in conference play, 28-2 overall and a powerful offense is a major reason. Luther averages over eight and a half runs per game, is batting nearly 400 as a team and already has 54 homers this season.

Luther coach Renae Hartl says when you hit that well, you are surprised. She says the power numbers that go along with the good averages have surprised the coaching staff the most. Hartl says it’s nice to be able to get the hits all the way through the line-up.

Hartl say they have not had to find ways to manufacture runs. She says they’ve been going with their power and hitting doubles and home runs. It’s not all about offense for Luther. The Norse also have the top pitching staff in the league, with a senior and junior starter. Hartl says they also have some younger pitchers they’re bringing along and that gives them depth.