The Iowa Western Softball team is headed back to the National Tournament for the fifth time in the last 45 years. The 21st-ranked Reivers survived a hard-fought Midwest District Championship series, edging Jefferson College 2-1 in the winner-take-all rubber game. Big Blue, 49-6, pushed across the decisive run in the sixth inning and held off a determined Vikings squad to punch its ticket to the “Natty.” For Head Coach Heidi Jordan, it marks her second trip to the National Tournament in just four seasons at the helm. Iowa Western now sets its sights on Oxford, Alabama, where the NJCAA National Tournament will be held May 25-30.
The Iowa Western Community College Wrestling teams are bringing home national glory after crowning two individual champions at the national tournament. Tony Palmer powered his way to the 197-pound National Championship on the men’s side, scoring an emphatic first-period pin to secure the title and cap off a run through the bracket. On the women’s side, Ayanda Fletcher delivered a commanding performance in the 145-pound championship match, blanking her opponent to claim the national title and give the Reivers another gold medal. The team results were just as impressive: Men’s Team: 10th place nationally with five All-Americans Women’s Team: 7th place nationally with seven All-Americans Between the two champions and a combined 12 All-Americans, the Reivers proved once again that Iowa Western Reivers athletics program continues to make its mark on the national stage.
