The Kirkwood softball team is facing an ambitious schedule this month with 24 conference games in 24 days, along with some non-conference games along the way.

It's a by-product of all the bad weather we've had this spring, forcing coaches to rip up their schedules and try all over again, with one eye on the weather forecast.

So far, so good.

The third-ranked Eagles began their ambitious stretch Thursday by sweeping an ICCAC doubleheader from NIACC, 10-2 and 15-0, with both games stopped early by the college mercy rule.

DoniRae Mayhew enjoyed a big day for Kirkwood by going 4-for-4 with two doubles, her 10th home run and five RBIs. She also raised her pitching record to 12-0 by tossing a complete game in the opener.

Kirkwood raised its records to 25-3 overall and 2-0 in the conference with the sweep.

Miranda Kaste had two hits with a two-run homer and three RBIs in the first game. Kenady Waugh and Lauren Kuch also had two hits. Kuch had a two-run single in the bottom of the fifth inning to end the game.

Kuch went 3-for-4 with three RBIs in the second game. Rachel Stewart went 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Hannah Mausser also had three RBIs. Audra Bridenstine was 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

Natalie Halvorson raised her record to 11-3 in Game 2 by throwing a two-hitter with six strikeouts.

NIACC fell to 2-4 in the conference and 11-17 overall.