Kirkwood pitcher Nicky Simpson had a simple plan Sunday in cold, blustery conditions at the ballpark.

Throw strikes, get quick outs, get back in the dugout, reach for the hand-warmers, climb into a warm jacket.

"I think that was part of everyone's mentality that you had in the back of your head," she said. "Keep getting outs so you could get back in the dugout."

The plan worked perfectly.

Simpson tossed a one-hitter as the ninth-ranked Kirkwood Eagles blasted No. 12 Iowa Central, 13-0, in the first game of an ICCAC softball doubleheader at Kirkwood.

Brooke Prior followed the same script in the nightcap with a tidy two-hitter as the Eagles completed an impressive sweep, 11-1. Both games lasted only 4 1/2 innings due to the 10-run rule.

The victories lifted Kirkwood to 13-5 overall and 4-0 in the league.

Simpson, a freshman from Conrad, was nicked for a bunt single by the leadoff hitter in the top of the first inning of the first game. She hit a batter in the second inning, but otherwise was in complete command with three strikeouts and no walks.

The temperate was in the mid-40's, but it was gray and windy in southwest Cedar Rapids and the wind-chill index undoubtedly dipped into the low 40's or high 30's. The unfavorable conditions did not seem to bother the Eagles a great deal.

"It wasn't horrible, but you definitely had to stay warm in between the innings, because otherwise your fingers got really cold," said Simpson.

Kirkwood's hot bats compensated for the cold weather.

Prior slugged a solo home run in the first game and drove in two runs while playing shortstop. Lexie Biehl collected a double, triple and five RBIs in the opener. Alicia Crivaro had three RBIs and Chasney Jenkins had two RBIs and three stolen bases.

Jasmine Ragusi, Allie Mengler, Crivaro and Mallory Neubauer socked home runs for Kirkwood in the second game, giving the Eagles 31 home runs in 18 games this season. Neubauer belted a three-run homer in the fourth inning, giving the Eagles an 11-1 lead. Ragusi, Mengler and Crivaro all had two RBIs.

"I thought it was a really great team effort," said Simpson. "We came out and played solid 'D' and our bats were going on offense. That helps. Today was really the first day that we put everything together and it started working."

Kirkwood Coach Joe Yegge liked what he saw. The Eagles also played well Saturday, sweeping an ICCAC doubleheader from Iowa Lakes following a long bus tour during spring break.

"It's about time we woke up and did it," said Yegge. "They came out and played hard, and we're at home. They finally got off the vans and got to sleep in their own beds.

"And that's a big rival," he said. "I think the girls got a little extra excited to play Iowa Central. "

Iowa Central fell to 19-9 overall and 0-2 in the league.

Game 1

Iowa Central    000 00 -  0   1  2
Kirkwood         026 5x - 13 11 0

W - Simpson. L - Ingalls.

Game 2

Iowa Central    001 00 -  1 2 1
Kirkwood         104 6x - 11 9 0

W - Prior. L - Korte.