Kirkwood’s Kiya Johnson extends offensive outburst in softball doubleheader sweep of Ellsworth

CEDAR RAPIDS – Patience. Power. Production.

Kiya Johnson has merged those together to provide a punch in the heart of the Kirkwood softball’s batting order.

Take the last week, for example. She garnered national recognition, earning NJCAA Division II Player of the Week honors Wednesday after batting .667 with 16 hits, eight home runs and 25 RBIs.

“It was just being able to find my confidence,” the Eagles sophomore said. “I wanted to do it for my team, too.”

Johnson is a team player with the skill to take over a game. She continued her white-hot hitting Wednesday, tallying four hits, two walks, a home run, double, four runs and nine RBIs in a doubleheader sweep over Ellsworth Wednesday at home.

Johnson hit a three-run home run to end the Eagles 9-1 victory in five innings of the opener. She also laced a three-run double in her first at-bat in a 14-7 win in Game 2. Kirkwood improved to 32-10 overall.

Johnson was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to bring in Kirkwood’s first run. She walked twice before ripping a home run near the trees beyond the left-center field fence to enact the run rule.

“She’s just matured,” Kirkwood Coach Eric Frese said. “They didn’t want to give her anything to hit. She was really patient. When they finally threw to her, she got all of that one, for sure.”

With Kirkwood’s deep and balanced lineup, Johnson is prepared to drive in teammates on base. She can play the role of table setter for her teammates to feast as well. Her leadoff walk in the third sparked a two-run inning. She can trust her judgment and avoid pressing because she believes in her teammates.

“I just try to win each at-bat and each pitch,” Johnson said. “I try to get on base for my team and let them do the rest. I’ll find any way to get on base.”

Johnson’s monster week has continued. She is batting .434 with a .524 on-base percentage. Johnson leads the Eagles with 17 home runs and a whopping 74 RBIs. The second baseman displays her versatility, leading the team with 17 stolen bases.

The former North Butler prep remains hungry and humble. She said she doesn’t let the national award get to her head but knows it can remind her what she can do if she gets in a slump.

Frese took an “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” approach. He was in awe of Johnson’s offensive outburst.

“You just want to sit back and watch,” Frese said. “It’s been fun to experience.”

Johnson’s work on the field is matched by her character off the field. Frese praised her leadership and the way she handles others.

“She treats everyone the way they should be treated,” Frese said. “She’s an awesome leader and awesome human being. When you’re like that, it makes a huge difference.”

Johnson got stronger as the season progressed as a freshman. If she gets stronger later in the year again, it could be bad news for opponents. Johnson said she is focused on doing her best and doing her job for the Eagles.

“I don’t have to put too much pressure on myself,” Johnson said. “I just have to trust the process.”

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com