Making a record 33rd NCAA Division III Championships appearance, the Central College softball team was ousted by Concordia University (Wis.) 8-3 Friday.
           
"We were a postseason team, we worked really hard to get into the postseason despite some things going against us," said coach George Wares. "We are happy with our season and disappointed that we don't get to coach some of these players again."
           
The Dutch fell down 3-0 in the first inning when Concordia hit a two-out, three-run home run. Central and the Falcons exchanged runs in the fourth and fifth innings. For Central, shortstop Haley Bach (senior, Council Bluffs, Lewis Central HS) and Alexa Anderson (senior, Mount Ayr) recorded RBIs to score centerfielder Carley Underwood (sophomore, Mitchellville, Colfax-Mingo HS) and Bach. The Falcons hit their second three-run homerun of the day in the bottom of the sixth inning.
           
The Dutch added another run in the top of the fifth when first baseman Addi Starr (freshman, Ankeny, Centennial HS) recorded an RBI groundout to score third baseman Hannah Higgins (Junior, Macomb, Ill.).
           
Bach finished her legendary career with a 3-for-4 day including a run scored and an RBI. She wrapped up her time at Central with 197 hits, fifth most in program history, 175 runs scored, a new program record and 95 walks, also a program record.
           
"I am really proud with how the last four years went and to have the privilege to be in a program like this," Bach said. "I was extremely grateful to be on the field today and give it my all. I am really glad that we made the post season despite the cards that we have been delt so that the new players can experience what it is like. They will be able to pass along this experience and I will be their biggest cheerleader."
           
Senior pitcher Chloe Dougherty (Alleman, North Polk HS) got the start and pitched three innings allowing five runs on nine hits. Freshman pitcher Jadyn Huisman (Treynor) came in relief and pitched three innings allowing four hits and the only runs she gave up were on the home run in the sixth inning.
           
Higgins had two hits, Anderson had one hit and drew a walk, as did catcher Rylee Dunkin (sophomore, Hamilton, Twin Ceders HS).
           
The Dutch wrapped up its season with a 26-13 overall record and had a 9-7 American Rivers Conference record. They made the NCAA Division III tournament for the third straight season despite battling injuries throughout season.
           
"We have a really good foundation and we've been extremely lucky to play with the seniors this season," Higgins said. "They have set the stage for what we need to do moving forward."