INDEPENDENCE, Kan. - The Independence Softball picked up their first conference victory of 2026 as part of a two game split with KJCCC foe Highland on Saturday, dropping game one 8-7 before bouncing back to win game two, 7-6. 

In game one, the Pirate offense came out of the gates in attack mode, as they scored a pair of runs in the first two innings to jump out to a four run lead. Highland was able to limit the damage and chip away offensively as they scored eight runs across four innings down the stretch to double up the Pirates 8-4. Indy made one last final push as a three run home run off the bat of Kylie Dennison pulled the Pirates within one, but Highland again was able to weather the storm and secure the final out for the 8-7 victory. 

Madyson Paxton and London Dempster each had multi-hit games, as Paxton led the way with three hits and a pair of RBI as Lexi Yarnell pitched in a pair of RBI as well with a two run home run. 

In the circle, Athena Broaddus took the loss, surrendering five earned runs across 5.1 innings and striking out five, while Laci Jensen was effective in relief, throwing 1.2 scoreless innings. 

In game two, the Pirates saw a similar pattern as they jumped out to a 3-1 lead after the first inning only to see the lead evaporate as the Scotties answered with multiple runs in both the third and fourth innings. This time the Pirate bats fought back as they scored three runs in the bottom half of the fourth to knot the score at six apiece. Indy was able to scratch across the winning run in the bottom of the sixth, and were able to hold on in the visitors half of the seventh to clinch their first conference victory of the season. 

Eight of the nine PIrate starters recorded a hit in the win, led by Lexi Yarnell who had two hits and drove in three. Madyson Paxton and Jordan Hook each had multi-hit games as well, while Paxton, Kamdyn Minnick and London Dempster each drove in a run. 

In the circle, Laci Jensen again was able to hold the Scotties off the scoreboard in relief, going 3.1 innings and picking up the win.

The Pirates will now gear up for a quick turnaround as they will travel to take on Connors State in a non-conference doubleheader on Monday, March 30th, before returning to conference play on April 9th.