Despite a rough patch for their usually explosive offense, the Pella softball team was able to split in a pair of competitive games at home with Albia Thursday, winning 3-0 in game one and falling in game two 3-2.

The Dutch had to get creative in the opener that was scoreless for five innings until the home team used small ball to find a run. Madison Keske came up with the hit of the game, coming off of the bench to drive in two runs that proved to be decisive. Emma Eekhoff struck out four Blue Demon batters in seven shutout innings, bouncing back after a rough night against Norwalk.

Game two featured a long ball from Katie Scheckel, but an otherwise quiet night for the rest of the Dutch offense, who mustered just eight baserunners in seven innings. Saige DeJong gave up just six base runners but received the tough luck loss after seven innings in the circle.

Head Coach Katie Banowetz believed it was important for the team to find ways to compete well despite not having their best night offensively.

“They were two competitive games that will be similar to upcoming conference and postseason games. It’s good to put use in those positions now so we can handle them in a few weeks.”

Pella moves to 11-7 overall and hosts Newton for a single conference game this evening.