The Iowa Conference softball race begins this weekend and three league teams are ranked in the latest division three coaches poll. Luther is ranked fourth. Coach Renae Hartl’s team won nine of ten games on a recent trip to Florida. She says they had to work some things out, but overall she’s happy with the way the defense played.
On the mound Lexy Determan and Becca Girvan have combined for an earned run average of under one. Determan was named the national player of the week. Hartl says it’s working well as a one-two punch. Junior Kelsey Kittelson is off to a fast start. The Saint Ansgar native is batting .458 and leads the team with 17 RBI.
Luther opens the league race at home on Saturday against 16th ranked Coe.
Central is ranked ninth. Coach George Wares’ has an experienced team that has won 14 straight games. He says after the 0-2 start they had a lot of eyes opened and they realized they still have to go out and be ready every game.
Central has a pitching staff that features depth and experience. Wares says the Iowa Conference race will be as tough as it always is from the top to the bottom. He says the middle and bottom teams are very good and it’s not an upset if one of those teams beats one of the leaders.
Central opens the Iowa Conference race at home on Saturday against Wartburg. It will also be the home opener for the Dutch.
Darin Svenson KDEC Decorah contributed to this story.