Softball Game Preview: Highland Scots vs. Independence Falcons

The Highland Scots are taking a road trip to square off against the Independence Falcons at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Highland is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.8 runs per game this season.

Highland's tournament run continued when they took on Hanford West on Tuesday. The Scots narrowly escaped with a victory as the team sidled past the Huskies 5-4. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Scots.

Gracie Luna

Hits (Career)

04/15/25 vs Hanford West	2
04/15/25 @ Clovis	1
03/27/25 vs South	1
03/17/25 @ Centennial	1
03/12/25 vs Arvin	1

The team relied heavily on Gracie Luna, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one stolen base, one run, and one RBI. Those two hits gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Lauren Montes, who went 2-for-3 with one run and one RBI.

Highland was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .435. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their batting average total in four consecutive matches.

Meanwhile, Independence didn't have quite enough to beat Tulare Union on Monday and fell 4-3.

Independence saw seven different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Maylea Lutu, who went 2-for-3 with one run and one double.

Independence has also been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 8-7 record this season. That patch can't be blamed on the team's pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.0 runs on average over those games. As for Highland, their win bumped their record up to 14-5-2.

Highland's speedy runners might be the difference in Wednesday's contest. The Scots have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.1 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Independence, though, as they've been averaging only 0.9 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Highland continue to outrun the ball?

Highland came out on top in a nail-biter against Independence in their previous matchup back in April of 2024, sneaking past 1-0. Do the Scots have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Falcons turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.