The Iowa Falls-Alden softball team achieved its most wins since 2021, at 8-17 overall and 5-9 in the North Central Conference this year.
Head Coach Emily Banken notes the impact of seven juniors on the team’s energy and growth.
“They have done a great job of leading by example, and I hope they continue that,” says Banken. “They’re the girls who show up to all the offseason things, come to practice early, stay late when they feel like they need to work on things. They really bring the energy too. If they can continue that, I know they’re gonna continue to grow and find even more success next year.”
One of those junior leaders is all-conference pitcher Cidni Phipps who led the Cadets with 84 strikeouts in 126 innings.
Banken says Phipps brings great experience and focus to the role.
“She always works hard, she pitches all year round and puts a lot of time into that. She’s been our main pitcher for the past few years. She has had a lot of experience, she’s not easily rattled, so she can focus on her technique and things like that. She doesn’t really get into her head as much. It is really good to have her as a leader in the circle.”
The Cadets have some pop in the batter’s box with all-conference with freshman Isabelle Janssen with .456 avg and 33 stolen bases and junior Alivia Tupper with a .309 avg and team leading 16 runs driven in.
Iowa Falls-Alden after graduating senior Lauren Wood is projected to return 15 players.
