Reivers Open 2026 with a Pair of Home Wins

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - An unseasonably warm start to February meant Iowa Western Softball kick-started its 2026 campaign at home for the first time since at least 2016 and the earliest home opener since 2022.

The Reivers (2-0) defeated Highland (0-2) by run-rule, 13-2 and 18-4 under sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-fifties at the Dr. John & Jean Marshall Baseball/Softball Complex.

In game one, Iowa Western raced out of the gates offensively, scoring four runs in the first, two runs in the second, and five runs in the third.  Sophomore right-handed pitcher Saydee Plummer (1-0) kept the Scotties off the board through 3.1 innings, striking out four Highland batters and allowing just one hit.  The visitors eventually chased her from the game after a 2-run double in the fourth inning. 

A trio of freshmen provided the offense at the top of the lineup. Lead-off hitter Kennedy Borud launched a solo shot over the left field wall in the 2nd inning while Taylin Tabor recorded a double and a triple, scoring three runs. Ruclaireth Tovar Rodríguez sent a towering three-run shot to left field in the third to give Iowa Western an 11-0 lead.

In game two, the Reivers used a 12-run third inning to put the game out of reach early.  Home runs from Freshmen Kiana LeDoux and Brooke Koenigsman to help support left-handed pitcher Kyla Parker (1-0) in her Reiver debut.  Koenigman would end the game 3-3 with three runs scored and six RBI.

For recent Highland Hall of Fame Inductee and Reiver Head Coach Heidi Jordan, the wins gave her 100 for her Iowa Western career and 702 in her 21 years as a head coach.

The warm weather will continue to keep the Reivers at home as they take on Ellsworth CC on Monday at 1:00 pm from the Marshall Complex.