Central, Simpson Split ARC Softball Doubleheader

Nationally ranked teams split crucial conference matchup

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:00pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the action and energy of a softball game, with overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange hues.The intense back-and-forth of a crucial conference softball doubleheader is captured in a dynamic cubist composition.Pella Today

In a crucial American Rivers Conference softball doubleheader between nationally ranked teams, 23rd-ranked Central College beat 11th-ranked Simpson College 7-3 in the opener before Simpson bounced back with a 10-2 victory in the nightcap in just five innings.

Why it matters

This doubleheader was a key conference matchup between two of the top teams in the ARC, with major implications for the conference standings and NCAA tournament seeding. The split result keeps both teams in the hunt for the conference title and a strong postseason position.

The details

In the first game, Central jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning and added four more runs over the next four innings. Simpson mounted a late three-run rally in the seventh, but it was not enough. In the second game, Simpson took control early with two runs in each of the first two innings, and then pulled away with a five-run fourth inning to win by the run rule.

  • The doubleheader took place on April 16, 2026 in Pella, Iowa.
  • Game one was won by Central 7-3.
  • Game two was won by Simpson 10-2 in five innings.

The players

Jayden Huisman

A player for Central College who hit a two-run single in the first inning of game one and hit a solo home run in the fifth inning.

Ashlyn Steen

A player for Simpson College who had a standout performance, going 5-for-5 with a triple, walk, hit by pitch, three runs scored, two RBIs and two stolen bases across the doubleheader.

Emma LaFave

The Simpson College pitcher who got the run-rule shortened complete game victory in game two, scattering three hits.

Sara Stufflebeam

A player for Central College who had three hits across the doubleheader.

Hannah Higgins

A player for Central College who had three hits across the doubleheader.

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What’s next

Central hosts Coe tomorrow while Simpson travels to Loras.

The takeaway

This split doubleheader between two nationally ranked ARC softball teams showcased the competitiveness and parity at the top of the conference, with both squads proving they can win tough conference matchups against elite opponents.