Kirkwood softball coach Joe Yegge will miss the opening game of the regional tournament Friday while serving the final game of a three-game suspension.

Yegge was ejected from the second game of a doubleheader against Iowa Central Sunday after arguing a call at first base. Junior college coaches automatically receive a one-game suspension after being ejected from a game, but Yegge received a three-game suspension from the ICCAC conference due to his conduct on the field.

Kirkwood appealed the three-game suspension, asking the league to reduce it to a two-game suspension, but the appeal was denied.

Yegge served the first two games of his suspension when Kirkwood swept a doubleheader from Indian Hills Tuesday. He will be eligible to return to the dugout Saturday in the second round of the regional tournament.

Kirkwood (51-4) will face Ellsworth (6-45) in the regional opener Friday. Kirkwood assistant coaches Jenny Nelson and Kristen Winter will lead the team in Yegge's absence.