Nine games into the softball season and Columbus junior Bailey Stroud is near the top of several offensive categories in the Southeast Iowa Super Conference North.

The Wildcats’ (3-6 overall) starting third baseman is posting the top batting average (.600), slugging percentage (.967), and on base percentage (.613) in the league. Stroud also is in a tie for the league lead in doubles (8) and home runs (1). Her 15 stolen bases are the second most in the conference behind Highland’s Kelsey Hora (22).

Last week, Stroud collected seven hits in 11 at bats, recording five doubles, stealing three bases, driving in three runs and scoring two. Columbus was victorious in one of their three games, defeating the Iowa Mennonite School (1-4 overall) 12-11 last Tuesday in Columbus Junction.

Columbus is 3-6 overall this season, and returns to the diamond tonight in a Southeast Iowa Super Conference matchup with Louisa County rival the Wapello Arrows (9-6 overall).