Softball Game Preview: Independence Knights vs. Lebanon Trail Trail Blazers

Independence and Lebanon Trail are an even 5-5 against one another since March of 2019, but likely not for long. Independence will square off against Lebanon Trail at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The squads are rolling into the game with opposing streaks: Independence has struggled recently with four defeats in a row, while Lebanon Trail will arrive with three straight wins.

Last Monday, Independence came up short against Frisco and fell 9-6.

Avery Hillier

Batters Struck Out (Career)

03/17/25 vs Frisco	8
03/14/25 @ Liberty	4
02/15/25 @ Pilot Point	4
02/17/25 vs Sherman	3
03/03/25 @ Heritage	2

Avery Hillier spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered four earned (and five unearned) runs on eight hits and racked up eight Ks. Those eight strikeouts gave her a new career-high.

At the plate, Stormy DANIEL was cooking despite her team's loss, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-4. Those three hits gave her a new career-high.

Meanwhile, Lebanon Trail hadn't done well against Heritage recently (they were 2-7 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Monday. Lebanon Trail's pitcher stepped up to hand Heritage an 11-0 shutout. The result was nothing new for the Trail Blazers, who have now won six games by six runs or more so far this season.

Kendall Dreary was incredible, firing off two home runs, seven RBI, and three runs while going 3-for-3. Ella Ramon also deserves some recognition as she hit her first triple of the season.

Lebanon Trail lost a few balls and finished the game with two home runs. That's the most home runs they've managed all season.

Independence's loss dropped their record down to 4-8. As for Lebanon Trail, their record now sits at 8-3-1.