Olson, Hansen help steady No. 6 Jefferson for softball split with Prairie

CEDARE RAPIDS - Maddie Hansen and Alyssa Olson are mind-readers.

The senior pitcher / catcher duo control the infield for the No. 6-ranked Cedar Rapids Jefferson softball team. Jefferson won the second game of an MVC doubleheader, 7-6, at Cedar Rapids Prairie after falling in the opener, 3-1 Wednesday night.

The J-Hawk battery's communication and execution on the field could convince many of their mind-reading powers.

'We never have problems,” Hansen said. 'We're best friends on and off the field.”

The two girls walked onto Jefferson's softball field for the first time in eighth grade not really knowing any of the other players. They connected with each other and really began clicking their sophomore year. They've been like sisters ever since.

'She knows mental cues to calm me down, and I know ones to calm her down,” Olson said.

Hansen is an aggressive catcher, yet also a skillful batter. She was 1-for-1 and 2-for-3 in an MVC doubleheader split with Prairie Wednesday night. Pitchers often walk her instead of allowing her a hit.

Olson is known for her strikeouts. She had seven alone in the opener and added two in the nightcap.

'If strikeouts come, they come,” Olson said. 'I don't look at the stats; I treat hitters as equal. My defense is always there to back me up.”

With a solid foundation in Olson and Hansen, Jefferson head coach Brian Erbe feels confident to let them take care of themselves, allowing him to focus on other types of coaching.

'They've been a big part of me being a coach,” Erbe said. 'They're people I go to for their advice or their opinions. Kids look up to them and respect their abilities and how they lead. All five seniors do a great job.”

The girls work with fellow seniors Kennedy Dighton, Alissa Good, and Hannah Towns to make sure the team is giving its best effort.

'This is a big year for us,” Hansen said. 'It'll be a little emotional.”

Prairie's Anne Cervany was 2-for-3 with two RBIs and Neila Bell was 2-for-2 with an RBI. Jefferson's Hannah Town went 2-for-3 with an RBI.

Lindsey Culver was 2-for-4, scored two runs and had three RBIs to lead Jefferson in the finale.

For Prairie, Neila Bell was 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a double. Carsyn Waller was 2-for-3 with both a run and a double.