![Softball Takes Down Independence CC On Sophomore Day, Falls To Neosho CC](/sports/sball/2021-22/4-30_SB_WEB_4.jpg?max_width=450)
KANSAS CITY, Kan. - The No. 16 KCKCC softball team celebrated its annual Sophomore Day on Saturday with a pair of wins over Independence CC - winning 3-2 and 11-7. The squad then traveled to Neosho County CC on Sunday where they fell 2-1 and 2-0. McKenna Lester also broke the single-season record for RBI with a solo home run against Neosho CC. She now has 81 on the year.
The Blue Devils are now 37-11 overall and 18-8 in the KJCCC.
On Saturday, eight sophomores were recognized for their dedication and contributions to the softball program in Bradi Basler, Mckenzie Ogden, Breanna Droge, Samantha Reynolds, Savannah Maynard, Reagan Marsh, Lindsey Gettle and Madison Pope.
Against the Pirates, the Blue Devils fell behind 2-0 in the first game, but KCKCC would prevail in the fifth inning. With two runners on base, Basler sent a ball over the left-center field fence to give the team a 3-2 advantage. The Blue Devils would hold Independence scoreless the rest of the way and came out on top. Basler's hit led the way as she also totaled three RBI, while throwing seven innings and striking out seven.
In game two, the Blue Devils would win again this time 11-7. After grabbing a 5-0 lead in the first inning, the Blue Devils allowed three runs to the Pirates in the second inning. Both teams would trade runs throughout the course of the game, but a three-run fourth inning was key for KCKCC as that helped them keep the lead, despite Independence's comeback attempt. Ogden and Lester combined for seven hits in the game, with Ogden scoring four runs and Lester adding four RBI. Droge was able to take down the Pirates in the circle to earn her 16th win, while Basler earned the save.
Against Neosho CC, the Blue Devils struggled offensively in game one. After Neosho scored two runs early, the Blue Devils were unable to capitalize as they managed just three hits in the contest. Basler took the loss in the circle despite striking out six batters.
In game two, the Blue Devils managed one run, but Neosho's defense was able to shut down KCKCC. The Blue Devils tied the game at 1-1 in the fourth inning, but Neosho tacked on the final run in the fifth frame. Lester scored and knocked in the lone run for the Blue Devils on her 12th home run of the season. Droge settled with the loss and struck out three batters over six innings.
The Blue Devils are back in action on Tuesday for a big road matchup at No. 12 Highland CC at 2 p.m.