File photo: Former Humboldt standout Jori Hajek is one of the Iowa Central softball leaders this season.

Bo Tjebben hopes that a challenging early schedule helps prepare his Iowa Central softball team for the grind of competing in the ICCAC.

The Tritons, who were tabbed to finish third in the conference in the preseason rankings, have already squared off with a number of rated programs.

Led by returning all-region selections Riley Gilroy, Olivia Harmon, Jori Hajek, Amber McKinney and Sydney Ballard, the goal remains the same for Tjebben.

“We want to finish in the Top-2 in our conference, get through regionals and make the national tournament,” said the former Fort Dodge Senior High baseball all-stater. “That remains the goal each and every season. Nothing is given, though, especially in the ICCAC, so we’ll have to be ready, come ready and play strong.

“I like the mentality of this group. We have some really good leaders, some experienced players and some solid newcomers that make it a fun group to be around and work with.”

Iowa Central finished last season 38-18 overall and 15-9 in the league, winning 13 games at Rogers Park.

Gilroy earned first team all-league honors last year after hitting .492 with a team-high 11 homers and 36 RBI. She also had 18 steals, 12 doubles and scored 47 runs.

Harmon, McKinney and Hajek, who was a standout at Humboldt and also helped the Triton volleyball team reach nationals twice, were on the second-team. Harmon hit .335 with 23 RBI and 25 steals, McKinney collected 57 hits including 15 doubles and five homers, and Hajek had a .385 batting average with 15 steals, four homers and 38 RBI.

Taylor Lee is the most experienced pitcher back, winning nine games with 49 strikeouts as a freshman. Gilroy also saw time inside the circle for the Tritons.

“Getting rid of the inconsistencies is huge,” Tjebben said. “We had a lot of close games early where we didn’t get a timely hit or had a costly error.”

Iowa Central recently returned from its annual trip to Florida, where they were able to once again test themselves against high-level competition.

“It was great to finally play games on a consistent basis outdoors,” Tjebben said. “The early part of the season is so tough because we haven’t had the opportunity to get into a routine. Last year, we came back from Florida with a lot of momentum so I’m hoping we do the same.”

Tjebben is assisted by his daughter, Fort Dodge Senior High graduate Cassie Tjebben, along with Kyle Alstott.

2023 IOWA CENTRAL SOFTBALL

Roster

Sophomores

Amber McKinney, Knoxville; Riley Gilroy, Bondurant; Olivia Harmon, Muscatine; Chloe Mickelson, Minnesota; Taylor Lee, Carlisle; Sydney Ballard, Kansas; Jori Hajek, Humboldt; Myra Megli, Kansas.

Freshmen

Gabriella Taber, Illinois; Emily Johnson, Osage; Alexis Hansen, Humboldt; Tobi Topp, Canada; Calli Schell, Illinois; Maria Jacobson, Wisconsin; Katelyn Dennis, Illinois; Addy Dean, Madrid; Grace Webner, Panora; Maddie Horsley, Kansas; Callyn Curphy, Gilman; Rylee Carney, Des Moines; Morgan Weeks, Norwalk; Aleena Sandy, Pennsylvania.

Schedule

March 18 — Ellsworth; 19 — Ellsworth; 22 — Marshalltown; 25 — Highland.

April 1 — at NIACC; 2 — at NIACC; 4 — at Iowa Western; 7 — Kirkwood; 8 — Kirkwood; 11 — at Southeastern; 15 — at Iowa Lakes; 16 — at Iowa Lakes; 18 — at Southwestern; 22 — Northeast; 23 — Northeast; 26 — Morningside; 29 — at DMACC; 30 — at DMACC.