By Marissa VanWingen, The Times-Citizen

Iowa Falls, IA – Ellsworth Community College softball erupted offensively in the bottom of the sixth inning and scored eight runs to run away with the 12-4 contest and secure a split with the visiting Iowa Lakes Community College. The Lakers took the opener by an 11-7 final.

Avery Somers had a big offensive contest, going 2-3 with four RBI. She was one of four ECC players to have multiple knocks in the contest. Alli Paulsen went 3-3 at the dish with two runs scored. Taryn Petty went 2-3 with an RBI and Ella Garstang went 2-4 with an RBI.

Angelica Argo earned the win in the circle, going all six innings and allowing nine hits, four runs, walking two and fanning six.

The opener was ugly with 12 combined errors. ECC (16-20, 5-11) had five while the Lakers added seven in their win. To go with the mishaps, both teams hit the ball around – combining for 22 knocks. Iowa Lakes (27-18, 7-9) had four extra base hits including Kaitlyn Duchateau missing just a triple to hit for the cycle.

Garstang went 2-5 at the dish for the Panthers while Emery Walton was 2-2. Somers had the only extra base hit, a double.

Hailey Sheaffer took the loss, going 4.1 innings and allowing 11 hits, 10 runs (six earned) and fanning four. Peytin Clemensen came in for the final 2.2 innings and allowed two hits, one run and walked two.

ECC hosts Kirkwood Community College on Wednesday at 2/4 p.m. The No. 12 Eagles won the first two games 9-1 and 14-7.

For more Times-Citizen coverage of Ellsworth athletics: https://www.timescitizen.com/sports/ecc