When coach George Wares predicted that freshman center fielder Sara Tallman could be a catalyst for the Central College softball offense, Saturday’s performance might be what he had in mind.

The former Pella Dutch all-state center fielder was on base seven times and scored five of No. 14 Central’s six runs in a 2-1, 4-0 Iowa Conference doubleheader sweep at Simpson College, as heard live on 92.1 KRLS Saturday. Tallman had four hits—including two doubles–drew a pair of walks and reached on an error. She also stole a base. Wares says Tallman has exceeded expectations in her leadoff role, and has been a key in sparking the Dutch offense.

“She’s hitting it well,” coach George Wares said. “She’s running the bases better and she’s so good at turning any kind of mistake or hesitation on a single into a double.”

Offense was otherwise in short supply but Central got a pair of pivotal pitching performances from Karly Olson and Mariah Fritz, who each both tossed complete game shutouts. Central is 22-4 and makes its first league home appearance Wednesday, taking on Buena Vista in a 3 p.m. doubleheader.