Central Rallies Past Benton 9-8 on Walk-Off Hit in Season Opener

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Central opened the softball season with a dramatic comeback Thursday night, scoring four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to beat rival Benton 9-8.

Central built a 4-2 advantage early after home runs from Abigail Koelzer and Delaney Bensyl in the second inning. Benton answered in the fifth when Shania Noland hit a three-run homer to put her team back in front, 5-4.

Central tied the game at 5, but Benton regained control in the top of the seventh. Torri Barron launched a three-run home run, giving Benton an 8-5 lead and leaving Central three outs away from a season-opening loss.

Instead, Central put together one final rally.

Shae Davison and Sofie Rogers drove in runs, and Mattea Johnson scored on an error to pull the game even at 8-8.

Junior October Johnson, who previously played at Lafayette, then ended it with a deep drive to left field that stayed fair and brought home the winning run.

Big performances on both sides

Davison finished 4-for-4 for Central, while Bensyl drove in three runs and homered. Rogers had two hits and two RBIs. Benton received three RBIs apiece from Noland and Barron, with both players homering.

Central is scheduled to play at Ruskin on Monday, Aug. 31, at 4 p.m. Benton is scheduled to host South Harrison on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 5 p.m.

Source: KQ2 Sports, Aug. 27, 2026.