COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - Iowa Western Softball opened up ICCAC Conference play with a sweep over Southwestern Community College, defeating the Spartans 12-4 and 21-0 in a pair of run-rule games.  Sophomore Pitcher Erin Kirkland (4-2) was lights out in game two, allowing no hits over 5 innings while striking out 11 Spartans.

The Reivers (22-14 | 2-0) dominated from the opening batter when Moira Baxter walked then Ella Fitzpatrick drove her in.  From there, the home team would plate 10 runs on 5 hits, all in the 1st inning.  The team would add 9 more runs in the 2nd inning, highlighted by back-to-back home runs from Cydnee Schneider and Alex Stoner, and then Mattea Martin hit a bomb to left-center field for a grand slam. Kirkland dominated in the 4th and 5th innings striking out six en route to the victory.

Game one saw the Spartans (8-10 | 0-2) get out to an early 4-1 lead but the Reivers chipped back, eventually using a 5-run 4th inning to take the lead.  Stoner led off with a solo shot then Emma Hague hit a 2-run double to put the Reivers up for good.  Kendra Mitchell (1-0) earned the win after coming in to relieve Maddison Depencier in the 2nd inning, giving up just one earned run while striking out 5 batters in the 12-4 victory.

The Reivers are back in action tomorrow at the Dr. John & Jean Marshall Complex taking on Marshalltown in a doubleheader scheduled for a 2:00 pm first pitch.