PHOENIX, Ariz. - College of Idaho opened the 2026 softball season with a tough late loss but answered immediately, riding a 16-hit performance to earn a split Thursday at Nelson University American Indian College.
The Yotes dropped the opener 6-5 after leading 4-0 in the first inning and tying the game 5-5 in the seventh. Chloe Flerchinger had three hits and an RBI, including the game-tying single in the seventh. Kina Watts went 3-for-4 with a double, two runs and an RBI. Madelyn Powell and Hallie Campbell added RBI hits as the Yotes collected 10 hits.
Sophomore starter Drew Williams allowed three earned runs over six innings in her debut, but a sixth-inning grand slam put Nelson in front before the Warriors scored the winning run in the seventh.
College of Idaho responded in Game 2 with a dominant 11-4 victory, fueled by one of its most potent offensive outings in recent years.
Watts led the charge with two home runs and four RBIs. Powell added a solo homer and two RBIs, while Kate Crosby went 3-for-5 with an RBI and two stolen bases. Campbell and Audrey Sweet each drove in runs. The Yotes scored in five different innings, including a five-run fourth that broke the game open.
Grace Neer threw a complete-game two-hitter, allowing four runs and striking out two.
College of Idaho returns to action Friday against Hope International seeking its first series win of the season.
