It was supposed to be a clash between two Iowa Conference powerhouses in the league tournament finals, with an automatic berth into the NCAA Division III national tournament up for grabs. Instead, Central’s softball team jumped all over Luther early and often, winning 8 – 2 to secure their spot on the national stage. The day started with another blowout: Central downing Dubuque, 7 – 1, in the semifinals. In the third, the Dutch scored three runs with two outs, and without the benefit of a base hit. That’s all the cushion Trisha Smith would need, as she pitched five innings, allowing an unearned run on five hits to improve to 12 – 1 on the year. The Spartans committed five errors in the game. That set-up the showdown between the top two teams in the conference: Central and Luther. Previously unbeaten Norse pitcher, Annie Versnik, gave up four runs in the first frame, Central at one point led 8 – 0, and eventually won by an 8 – 2 final. Karlee Rock had a two-run double in that first frame, and added a solo blast later to lead the Dutch attack. Mallory Schulenberg threw a complete game, allowing a run on just three hits, with two walks. Central improves to 30 – 9 overall, and they’ll await to see who they’ll play in the regional tournament, which begins this Friday.