The Norwalk softball team celebrated Senior Night with a doubleheader sweep of Pella Christian on Wednesday. The Class 4A 3rd-ranked Warriors won the first game by forfeit before taking game two 10-0 in five innings – streamed live on KNIA3.

Norwalk seniors Grace Dehmer, Jaylynn Brandt, Addi Downe, Lauren Black, Olivia Dougherty and Jada Livingston were honored with their parents prior to Game 2 and batted one through six in the lineup. With two out in the top of the fifth, Norwalk coach Beau Livingston brought in six reserve players, allowing the seniors to walk off the field arm in arm to a standing ovation.

Brandt and Downe tell KNIA Sports that it was a special feeling to be recognized in front of their family, friends and Warrior supporters. Downe adds: “It was really a great feeling, especially for the two of us. We’ve been here four years, and just being able to have that moment again together, I think it was awesome.”

Norwalk hit the ball hard up and down the lineup, tallying 13 singles and two doubles. The Warriors scored three runs in the first, two in the second, three in the third and two in the fourth. Maddie Gullion batted 3-for-3 with a double and two RBI from the nine hole and Downe hit three RBI singles. Brandt, Livingston and Nyah Hulbert added two hits each. Downe was the winning pitcher, allowing two hits and two walks in 4 ⅔ innings while striking out six.

Pella Christian played well defensively for most of the game, highlighted by Claire Braafhart’s running catch in left-center to end the second inning. Mya Huisman and Maddy Van Zee had the Eagles’ two hits. Laurel Roozeboom took the loss in the circle.

Pella Christian finished 0-18 in Little Hawkeye Conference play and is 1-22 overall. The Eagles will host Grand View Christian on Friday night. Norwalk improved to 23-4 overall and 15-2 in the Little Hawkeye going into Thursday’s home game vs. Pella. The game can be heard live on 92.1 KRLS, starting with pregame coverage at 6:45.