Second baseman Angela Davis and the Central defense closed the door with two key double plays in a 3-1 softball victory over Ripon College yesterday.

Kiley Lythberg got the win and improved her record to 4-1. After yielding just one hit in the first four innings, Lythberg surrendered seven hits in the final three. She allowed no walks and struck out five. Lythberg also sparked the Dutch offense, going 3-for-3 and driving in a run while Davis had two hits.

Earlier in the day Central made quick work of Franciscan Univ. (Ohio), racking up a 16-2 five-inning win. Coach George Wares rested some of the regular starters but the Dutch still banged out 19 hits in five innings, scoring in every frame. Catcher Trysh Shimak had three hits and a walk in four trips to the plate while third baseman Rachel Whiteside took advantage of her first start with three hits, two RBIs and two runs scored and first baseman Caitlyn Meyer also had three hits, including a pair of doubles. Natalie Deming got the win in relief, her first decision of the young season. She threw the final 3.2 innings, shutting out Franciscan on two hits with no walks and three strikeouts.

Central is now 7-4 and continues play in the National Training Center Spring Games today, with a 9:30 a.m. contest against Berry (Ga.) followed by an 11:30 a.m. game against Concordia (Wis.).