By Marissa VanWingen, The Times-Citizen

Iowa Falls, IA – Ellsworth Community College softball played their first home games of the 2025 season. Under sunny skies and perfect temperatures, the Panthers split in a non-conference game with Central Community College - Columbus. The hosts won 8-0 and fell in game two 6-5.

In the first game, Angelica Agro threw a gem in the circle. She allowed just two hits and the Raiders didn't get their first knock until the fourth inning. 

ECC (9-9) scored two runs in the opening frame and had the opportunity to do more damage. Leadoff Ella Garstang started with a single but was caught stealing second. Kaitlyn Mick was walked and Alli Paulsen had a knock – both scoring on a two RBI single by Taryn Petty. She was left stranded at second and the Panthers had a 2-0 lead. 

The difference swelled to 5-0 in the third. Mick was hit by pitch, Paulsen had a double and Petty was also struck by a pitch to juice the bags. Mick scored on a wild pitch and Julissia Arias was walked for a two RBI single by Avery Somers.

In the top of the fourth with two outs Central (10-14) had their first hit of the contest – a double. The next batter was hit by a pitch and then another beat out a single to load the bases. Agro recorded one of her seven strikeouts to get out of the frame.

ECC added to their advantage when Petty opened the fifth with a double. Her courtesy runner was tagged out at home on a fielder's choice to put Somers on. Arias was walked to put two runners on when Kiera Hochstein smacked a two-run knock to make it 7-0. 

In the sixth, Paulsen ended the contest in the sixth with an RBI double.

Game Two saw the Panthers have two leads dissipated. They were on top 3-1 after the second inning but the Raiders had a big fifth to take the lead (4-3). The two swapped advantages once again in the sixth with ECC going on top 5-4, but Central scored two runs in the seventh to take the game.

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