Eagles take top rankings on national poll
Darrin Cline
Issue date: 4/30/09 Section: Sports
In just his second year as Kirkwood Community College's head softball coach, Joe Yegge has led the team to a No. 8 in the national rankings. Under Yegge's leadership, the Eagles have soared to a 39-7 record.
The team has used solid pitching and consistent hitting to stay among the nation's elite. Freshman pitcher, Kylee Knop, has been stellar from the mound, compiling a 21-4 record, with a 1.26 earned run average and 127 strike outs.
The women have been equally dominant from the plate. Carlie Schnoebelen, outfielder, has bolstered the offensive onslaught with nine home runs, while Molly Ratchford, utility player; Chelsea Parrish, third base; and Heather VanHyning, catcher, have each connected on four long balls.
Additionally, the Eagles have eight players with batting averages above .400.
"I feel that we have the ability to play good defense and consistently hit well," said freshman Molly Link, short stop.
Perhaps the team's biggest accomplishment by far came when they upset the then, second ranked Iowa Central in a doubleheader, 8-0 and 3-0.
"I was very pleased when the team beat Iowa Central. It showed them what they were capable of," said Yegge.
Mental and emotional perseverance have been as equally important to the team's success. Sophomore leadership combined with a talented group of freshmen has kept the team at the top of their game.
"We have great team chemistry. Everyone gets along and we enjoy playing together," said sophomore Abbey Miller, third base.
Yegge has also been pleased with the team's chemistry. "The ladies have a good approach to the game and they pick each other up. They play intense but still have fun and are relaxed," he said.
The 2009 squad is also etching their legacy in the Kirkwood record books. With 40 wins on the season, the team is just eight wins away from the single season record and is currently fourth on the single season runs list.
The Eagles ended their regular season on April 28, and will begin regional tournament play May 1 in Fort Dodge.
They look to continue to stay atop their perch and carry the momentum from a strong season into the post-season tournaments.
The team has used solid pitching and consistent hitting to stay among the nation's elite. Freshman pitcher, Kylee Knop, has been stellar from the mound, compiling a 21-4 record, with a 1.26 earned run average and 127 strike outs.
The women have been equally dominant from the plate. Carlie Schnoebelen, outfielder, has bolstered the offensive onslaught with nine home runs, while Molly Ratchford, utility player; Chelsea Parrish, third base; and Heather VanHyning, catcher, have each connected on four long balls.
Additionally, the Eagles have eight players with batting averages above .400.
"I feel that we have the ability to play good defense and consistently hit well," said freshman Molly Link, short stop.
Perhaps the team's biggest accomplishment by far came when they upset the then, second ranked Iowa Central in a doubleheader, 8-0 and 3-0.
"I was very pleased when the team beat Iowa Central. It showed them what they were capable of," said Yegge.
Mental and emotional perseverance have been as equally important to the team's success. Sophomore leadership combined with a talented group of freshmen has kept the team at the top of their game.
"We have great team chemistry. Everyone gets along and we enjoy playing together," said sophomore Abbey Miller, third base.
Yegge has also been pleased with the team's chemistry. "The ladies have a good approach to the game and they pick each other up. They play intense but still have fun and are relaxed," he said.
The 2009 squad is also etching their legacy in the Kirkwood record books. With 40 wins on the season, the team is just eight wins away from the single season record and is currently fourth on the single season runs list.
The Eagles ended their regular season on April 28, and will begin regional tournament play May 1 in Fort Dodge.
They look to continue to stay atop their perch and carry the momentum from a strong season into the post-season tournaments.
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