Weekend Recap
Over the weekend the Newton Cardinals saw both their softball and baseball squads in action, each delivering a distinct story. The softball team completed a sweep of Oskaloosa, outscoring the opposition 21‑0 across two games, while the baseball team split a doubleheader, winning the opener before a fifth‑inning collapse.
Senior Ava Williams was the catalyst for the softball side, launching three home runs including a grand slam that helped fuel the offensive onslaught. Junior Leileigh Hammons added two pitching victories, throwing solid innings in both games and keeping the Cardinals unbeaten in the series.
In the opening baseball game, Lane Rozendaal took the mound and worked six innings, surrendering just three runs on seven hits while the offense compiled ten hits and seven RBI. Mason Mendez closed out the game with a final inning that limited further damage.
The second baseball contest flipped the script when Oskaloosa erupted in the fifth inning, plating ten runs to secure a 10‑1 victory. The Cardinals’ defense struggled to contain the surge, and the loss dropped their conference record to 6‑9.
Both teams are slated to travel to Indianola on Monday for a single game, a matchup that could further shape their postseason aspirations.