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Central Splits Softball Doubleheader
Dutch win opener 6-4 before falling 4-2 in game two
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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The Central College softball team split a doubleheader with Westminster College (Mo.), winning the opener 6-4 before dropping the second game 4-2. In the first game, Central jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning and held on for the victory. However, the Blue Jays rallied to tie the second game 2-2 in the fourth inning and scored two unearned runs in the seventh to win it.
Why it matters
The split leaves Central with a 3-1 record on the young season. The Dutch were forced to play their first scheduled home doubleheader an hour away from their Pella campus, adding an extra challenge. Central is looking to build on last year's successful season and make a push for the conference title.
The details
In the opener, Central was led by a two-run double from Hannah Higgins in the first inning. The Dutch never trailed, but Westminster pulled within 4-3 in the sixth before Central added two insurance runs. Jadyn Huisman got the win, striking out three. Ella Morse earned the save. In the second game, Higgins and Huisman had RBI singles to give Central a 2-0 lead, but Westminster tied it in the fourth and scored two unearned runs in the seventh to win it. Peyton Levine took the loss for the Dutch.
- Central and Westminster played the doubleheader on March 9, 2026.
- Central jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning of the opener.
- Westminster pulled within 4-3 in the top of the sixth inning of the first game.
- Central added two insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth inning of the first game.
- Westminster tied the second game 2-2 in the fourth inning.
The players
Hannah Higgins
A Central College softball player who hit a two-run double in the first inning of the opener and had an RBI single in the second game.
Jadyn Huisman
The Central College pitcher who got the win in the first game, striking out three batters.
Ella Morse
The Central College pitcher who earned the save in the first game after coming in to stunt a bases loaded jam in the sixth inning.
Peyton Levine
The Central College pitcher who took the loss in the second game, giving up nine hits and three walks while striking out four in seven innings.
Rylie Grabau
The Central College player who intentionally got in a rundown between first and second base to allow a run to score in the first game.
What they’re saying
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
What’s next
Central plays its first two games in Florida on Saturday, facing Rivier University (N.H.) at 2:30 p.m. EST and Lakeland University (Wis.) at 7 p.m. EST.
The takeaway
Despite the split, Central showed resilience in the opener and will look to build on the win as it heads to Florida for a pair of games on Saturday. The Dutch are aiming to build on last year's success and make a run at the conference title this season.
