Freshman Taylor Nearad dominant atop the Kirkwood softball lineup

CEDAR RAPIDS – The challenges of adjusting to college life often translate into unique opportunities.

For former Solon prep Taylor Nearad, her transition to the Kirkwood softball team included a move to the top of the lineup.

'I definitely think I'm seeing the ball better,' Nearad said after fourth-ranked Kirkwood swept Iowa Central, 8-0 and 3-2, in an Iowa Community College Athletic Conference doubleheader Sunday at Kirkwood. 'Having my approach at the plate being the first one up, I definitely think my momentum and mentality is a lot better because I know I need to get on base for my team.'

Nearad was a two-time first team all-state selection for Solon and was named captain of the Class 3A state tournament team last season after leading the Spartans to the state championship.

In 54 games this season, she is hitting .626 with 24 home runs, 109 RBIs and has scored 98 runs for Kirkwood (49-4, 27-1 ICCAC). She leads NJCAA Division II in all four categories, as well as at-bats, hits, triples, on-base percentage and slugging percentage.

'She's so fun to watch,' Kirkwood Assistant Coach Jenny Nelson said. 'Every day she comes out and does something different.'

Sunday, Nearad's three-run home run keyed a five-inning, 8-0 rout in the first game, then she collected two hits, an RBI and scored the winning run in a 3-2 come-from-behind win in eight innings.

The freshman also starred in the field as she denied an Iowa Central batter of an extra-base hit with a leaping catch against the centerfield wall in the first game, then doubled up a runner at first after fielding a fly ball in the nightcap.

Nearad's immense production is a direct correlation to the strength and depth of the Kirkwood lineup. Gabi Carter – who prepped at Cedar Rapids Prairie – and former Jefferson all-state catcher Maddie Hansen, who signed Wednesday with Division-I Ball State, are two of five Eagles with at least 82 hits and 60 RBIs.

'It's all props to them because they get on base for me so I can hit them in,' Nearad said.

The doubleheader sweep extended Kirkwood's win streak to 25 games and pushed Coach Joe Yegge's career victory total to 503 (including 422 in nine years at Kirkwood).

'I just had good players, good assistant coaches,' Yegge said. 'Been around a while. Just another day.'

Carter hit her 20th home run this season in the opener, while pitchers Nicky Simpson (24-2) and Lexi Kinnaird (21-2) both tallied wins in the circle.

The Eagles have locked up the top seed when the ICCAC regional tournament begins Friday.

l Comments: douglas.miles@thegazette.com