FORT DODGE, IA – The Northeast Community College softball team picked up a win against Iowa Central Community College here Monday, prevailing 9-5 in the first game and dropping the second, 8-1.

“We had some different players step up today when our normal big hitters weren’t getting the job done,” said Hawks Coach Iris Woodhead. “It was great to see. Maddison (Oltjenbruns) came through big time for us when we needed hits and runs. I’m pleased with her performance.” Oltjenbruns went 3-for-4 in the first game with a double and three RBIs.

The first game also saw Logan Runge pitch a complete game. “She had been struggling of late with hitting her spots,” said Woodhead. “She did a great job of jamming hitters today and getting outs.”

Elsewhere for Northeast in the 9-5 win, Paige Schmidt went 1-for-3 with three runs and three base on balls. Leah Grovijohn finished 2-for-3 with two runs, a base on ball, a double and an RBI. Alyson Romey went 1-for-2 with a run, double and RBI, while Amy Rogers went 2-for-4 with two runs and an RBI.

Woodhead said a few injuries in the first game, combined with tiredness, led to the 8-1 loss in the second game. “We try to make up for our miscues on defense at the plate but end up trying too hard. Sometimes we forget that hitting simple line drives are the key to our offense.”

Grovijohn went 2-for-3 with a double and RBI, while Rogers finished 1-for-2 with a base on ball. Kianna Garza (2-for-3) had a double, and Oltjenbruns and Ashley Gilsdorf finished 1-for-3 and 1-for-2, respectively. Kelsie Myers (1-for-2) scored the Hawks’ lone run in the third inning.

Northeast is now 7-27 overall and 3-7 in region play. They next host Iowa Lakes Community College on Wednesday at the Ta-Ha-Zouka Park softball complex in Norfolk. Game times are 2 and 4 p.m.