The Riverland Community College softball team couldn’t get its hitting going as it was swept by Southeast Community College, which is in Nebraska, by scores of 4-0 and 9-0 in five innings in Riverland Monday.

The Blue Devils (2-17 overall) had just seven total hits in Monday’s doubleheader as they were shutout in both games. RCC has played a tough schedule so far against some bigger NJCAA schools and it’s hoping that will help them when they begin conference play.

“We hope that we’ve played enough games now that we’ve settled into positions so when the conference schedule begins we can start seeing some W’s,” RCC head coach Michelle Hoogers said.

RCC showed an improvement in the pitching circle on Monday. The first time the Blue Devils played Southeast on March 4, they lost both games by scores of 8-0 and 16-1.

On Monday, Shayla Berkner of Kenyon-Wanamingo, allowed just four hits in the opening loss and Taylar Larson of Waterville-Elysian-Morristown allowed five earned runs and she struck out six in the nightcap.

“I’m happy with how they’re progressing. From where we are to where we were then when we started the season, I’m pleased,” Hoogers said.

Allison Sharp, a Cold Spring grad, went two-for-three with a pair of doubles in the nightcap for RCC.

Southeast 9, RCC 0 (5 innings)

RCC pitching: Taylar Larson (L) 5 IP, 8 H, 3 BB, 9 R, 5 ER, 6 K

RCC hitting: Jamie Wells, 0-for-3; Allison Sharp, 2-for-3, 2 doubles; Shayla Berkner, 0-for-2; Kassi Hardies, 0-for-2; Larsen, 0-for-2; Brooke Hemann, 2-for-2; Caycee Gilbertson, 0-for-2; Sarah Hubacher, 0-for-2; Emma Mergen, 1-for-2

Southeast 4, RCC 0

RCC pitching: Berkner (L) 7 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 4 R, 1 K

RCC hitting: Wells, 1-for-3; Larson, 0-for-1, HBP; Hemann, 1-for-2