FORMER WEBSTER CITY ALL-STATER DELAINEY BARGFREDE celebrates between innings for Western Kentucky during a recent game. (Photo courtesy of WKU Athletics)

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Former Webster City standout Delainey Bargfrede has had a strong start to her collegiate career for Western Kentucky University already this year.

Bargfrede, a true freshman, has appeared in three games inside the circle for the Hilltoppers, winning once. She has tossed a total of 9.1 innings, striking out four with nine hits allowed and just two earned runs.

Bargfrede went four innings in a win over Eastern Illinois on Feb. 15, following that up eight days later by going three-plus in a victory vs. Bradley.

In both games, Bargfrede recorded two strikeouts. She made her WKU debut back on Feb. 7 with two innings of work vs. Belmont in the season opener for the Hilltoppers.

“I’ve been very blessed to be a part of a team that supports each other the way we all do,” Bargfrede said. “I know they believe in me every time I step out on the field, and it gives me all the confidence in the world to get the job done.”

Bargfrede was a three-sport athlete for the Lynx, earning all-state honors in softball three times. She was also a three-time all-North Central Conference unanimous first team selection.

Western Kentucky is off to a 10-4 start and returns to action on Friday when they host Kentucky as part of the Hilltopper Spring Fling with games against Tennessee Tech and Evansville scheduled.

“I know we have a competitive team,” Bargfrede said. “We will be very successful this season, and I’ve loved every minute of my time here.”

Games against Mississippi on March 11 and Liberty on March 14-16 will stream live on ESPN+.