Stumpff finds sweet spot (photo gallery)

MARION - The second inning - and Shelly Stumpff's production in that inning - did in Linn-Mar not once, but twice Thursday night.

Iowa City West players congratulate Shelly Stumpff as she reaches home plate after hitting a home run in the first game of a double header at Linn-Mar High School in Marion on Thursday, May 31, 2012. (Cliff Jette/The Gazette-KCRG)

Iowa City West busted out for six runs in the second inning of each game in last night's Mississippi Valley Conference doubleheader with the Lions. Stumpff capped both outbursts with long home runs, the blast in the nightcap a grand slam, as the Women of Troy rolled to a sweep, 8-1 and 14-0 in four innings.

The victories moved West to 9-1, its only loss coming in the season opener against Cedar Rapids Jefferson. Linn-Mar dropped to 4-4.

“We have been hitting the ball extremely well outside of the opening loss to Jefferson,” said Iowa City West Coach Jeff Kelley. “We're pretty deep. To be honest, we have some kids sitting on our bench who would be playing for a lot of other teams.”

West is a team mixed with veterans - seven seniors are on the roster - and some talented youngsters. West entered the season ranked No. 5 in Class 5A and has been playing like a team looking to improve that rating.

Stumpff hit a two-run homer in the opener, followed with a deep shot to left-center in the nightcap and picked up the pitching win in Game 2, throwing three shutout innings.

“I had a night like this last year at Cedar Falls,” Stumpff said. “They are always special because they don't happen that often.”

West rapped out 10 hits in each game. Morgan Ryan also homered in the nightcap.

Linn-Mar was limited six hits combined in the two games. The lone Lion run in the opener came on an impressive opposite field home run from freshman shortstop Alexis Kelsey.

Although there is plenty of regular-season play remaining, the state tournament is squarely in West's sights. After winning state titles this school year in volleyball and basketball, Stumpff said the team has high goals.

“It is something we always think about,” she said. “No West softball team has ever made it to the state tournament. We want to change that and finish off a memorable year with a title.”

Said Kelley: “I like where we are at right now. The girls are focused, but there is a long way to go. Hopefully we'll continue to play like we have been over the last nine games.”