Central rode the pitching of Karly Olson and snapped up extra runs with poor Buena Vista defense in a sweep of the Beavers 2-0, 10-5 at home Wednesday.

The Dutch offense continued to struggle to plate runs in game one, as an Abbie Voas home run–her first of the season, propelled Central to the only margin they’d need with Olson dealing in the center circle. Karly only needed 82 pitches to earn a complete game shutout.

They’d need their senior ace in game two as the strike zone tightened for both pitchers, including No. 2 starter Mariah Fritz, and Central pulled out of a pair of early deficits and racked up runs on a total of six Buena Vista errors. Olson came in relief with the bases loaded, nobody out and Central hanging on to two run lead in the six before she set down the Beavers with two strikeouts and a pop up and earn the save.

Head Coach George Wares tells KNIA/KRLS Sports he’s impressed with his team’s ability to overcome adversity with improved defense.

“That catch by Sara was as good as I’ve seen recently,” Wares said. “That was big. I think it was 1-0 at the time and if that gets through, you’re talking a double, at least.
“It’s kind of refreshing to know you can do that because you know the offense isn’t always going to be there. There will be times when you break through and score 10 runs and you win easily. But you want to be able to win when you only score two or three, as well.”

No. 12 Central is 24-4, undefeated in league play, and travels to No. 11 Coe for a pivotal Iowa Conference doubleheader in Cedar Rapids Saturday.