The Washington Demons fell just short in their softball season opener last night, losing 5-4 at Clear Creek Amana. After Washington scored twice in the top of the third inning to grab the initial lead, Clear Creek Amana responded with five runs on four hits in the bottom half.

The Demons would chip away at their deficit, scoring once in the fourth after a double by senior Halle Cuddeback and an error that would bring her home later in the frame, then getting another run in the fifth on a double by sophomore Colbie Greiner that drove in junior Leighton Salazar.

Freshman Natalie Hartman would stroke a double to get the tying run aboard in the sixth, but Washington would not be able to push her across. Salazar would reach on an infield single in the next inning to give the Demons one more shot, but they would not be able to tie the game up in the final frame.

Greiner gave Washington a chance at a comeback with a strong relief pitching effort, allowing no runs on two hits in three innings of work. After losing their 2025 debut, the Demons will try to bounce back later tonight when they travel for a doubleheader at Cardinal.