Photo courtesy of Iowa Central Athletics: Iowa Central's Kaylee Cary connects against Ellsworth in a Region XI-B game on Friday at Rogers Park. The Tritons won, 4-0.

The 14th-ranked Iowa Central softball team got exactly what they needed in their Region XI-B tournament opener on Friday at Rogers Park.

The Tritons (46-8 overall) got a stellar performance from starter Jadeyn Stahr and timely hitting to advance with a 4-0 win over Ellsworth (17-32).

“Jadeyn had a very impressive outing,” said ICCC head coach Bo Tjebben. “Especially in this league, as anyone can beat anyone.

“She pitched one heck of a game. Her change-up was working, and she was locating her drop ball as well.”

The Tritons will now face No. 12 Kirkwood (45-14) on Saturday at Rogers Park at 2 p.m.

“We always talk about staying humble, being confident and taking one game at a time,” Tjebben said. “Kirkwood beat us three out of four games (during the regular season), so we just have to be patient and get more timely hits.”

Stahr went the distance, tossing a one-hitter while striking out three. She only faced 25 batters.

Iowa Central pieced together an early lead, scratching across a run in the second inning. The Tritons broke the contest open in the fifth, led by a two run home run from Bre Nolte.

“They were staying away from (Nolte) and I just told her to be patient,” Tjebben said. “They had a good gameplan, and their lefty (pitcher) was tough.”

Hits were limited for the Tritons as well, as they recorded five, but the home squad did draw six walks.

Kyra Kain and Sydney Wilson had doubles, while Kaylee Cary added a triple. Kain also drove in a run.

IOWA CENTRAL 4, ELLSWORTH 0

Ellsworth 000 000 0 — 0 1 0

Iowa Central 010 030 x — 4 5 0

WP–Jadeyn Stahr (7 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO; 2B–IC: Kyra Kain, Sydney Wilson; 3B–IC: Kaylee Cary; HR–IC: Breanna Nolte.