A rare off-day by ace Kiley Lythberg left the Central College softball team with a disappointing loss at Wartburg College on Saturday, but the Dutch were able to rally in the second game to salvage a split for the series.

Central fell in the first game 8-4, as the Knights exploded for all eight of their runs in the fourth and fifth innings. Lythberg gave up five earned runs on seven hits in just over four innings of work.

In the second game, the Dutch raced out to a 7-0 lead and held on for a 7-3 victory. Pitchers Rhianna Fleetwood and Natalie Deming teamed up for the win in the second game, and first baseman Katie Tenboer scored two runs on two hits for the Dutch. Tenboer had four hits between the two games, including her third home run of the season.

The Central softball team has a much-needed week off from action before returning to the diamond at home on Saturday to face the University of Dubuque.