An early season offensive explosion helped the Washington Demon softball team (1-0 overall) get their season off on the right foot. The Demons traveled to Columbus Junction Wednesday evening for a non-conference contest with the Columbus Community Wildcats (1-1 overall). Washington scored in every inning yesterday, including posting 10 runs in the first two innings, for a 15-3 victory in five innings.

It was a collective effort from Washington, who saw every player score at least one run, and eight of the nine batters recorded at least one hit. Washington batted all nine players in the first inning and sent 12 batters to the plate in the second inning, scoring 10 runs on four hits and four errors in the two frames.

Head softball coach Angie Schrader was pleased with her team’s offensive output, “We didn’t necessarily crush the ball but we were putting it in play and that’s what we need.” Scharder said, “I was really impressed with our base running. We took a lot of extra bases and were aggressive on the throws they were making.”

Senior Kolbi Breard reached base in all four of her plate appearances, recording three singles, a walk, and driving in three runs in the victory. Freshman Kayla Andrew had two stand up doubles, driving in one run and scoring another in the win. Base running also loomed large for the Demons, stealing four total bases.

Washington junior Mackenzie Knutson recorded her first win on the mound this year. She pitched all five innings allowing one hit and four walks, while striking out four batters.

Columbus’s offense came in the third, sending nine players to the dish. Five of the Wildcats’ six base runners in the frame reached either by forcing a walk or being hit by a pitch. Columbus senior Kelsey Pretz recorded the Wildcats’ only hit of the game, an RBI single in the third. Pretz also pitched four innings in relief, posting two strike outs, two walks, and allowing eight runs in the setback. The loss was charged to eighth grade pitcher Anna Hamilton, who lasted one full inning allowing two hits, four walks, and seven runs in the loss.

Washington’s begins the season with a 1-0 overall record, while Columbus drops their early season record to 1-1. Washington returns to the diamond tomorrow evening, hosting the Highland Huskies in the squad’s home opener. Live play-by-play coverage from Washington’s Softball Complex begins with the Washington Hy-Vee Pregame Show at 7 p.m. on FM 106.1 and KCIIRadio.com.