The Republic softball team ended a six-game losing streak against Nixa Thursday night, defeating the Lady Eagles 8-3 at Nixa. It marked the first time Republic had beaten Nixa since 2020 and the first victory over the Eagles for the current senior class.
Republic fell behind 1-0 early but tied the game in the fourth inning. The Lady Tigers took control with three runs each in the fifth and sixth innings. The final line score showed Republic with 8 runs on 10 hits and 5 errors, while Nixa had 3 runs on 4 hits and 2 errors.
Addie Brown and Sammi Watson led the Republic offense. Each of them went 3-for-4 at the plate. Cass Ellison added two base hits and drove in three runs.
Piper Dishman and Kara Goeke split pitching duties for Republic. Dishman started the game, allowing an unearned run and striking out seven batters in her four innings of work. Goeke came in to close out the game with three innings of work.
“The plan from the beginning, we usually know if we’re going to split it or one’s going to go the full game,” Dishman said. “We knew we were going to split it, and Kara talked to me before the game and was like, ‘You got this.'”
Goeke said it’s comforting to her and Dishman to know another pitcher is ready to provide support if needed. “I definitely think it helps to know that we have somebody in our corner, and not just somebody, but a good second option. I would say we’re different with our skill level, but… it’s so helpful to have that in our corner.”
Brown attributed her hot start at the plate to her mental approach. “I think the thing that’s going well for me is just being relaxed at the plate,” Brown said. “For me, when I’m at my best is when I’m just relaxed and confident and just see ball, hit ball.”
The victory was especially important for Republic after a lopsided loss to Ozark at home on Tuesday.
“We obviously got the big loss on Tuesday. We got embarrassed by it, but I think we bounced back really well, and it was really important for the program, and just to prove a point to the doubters that we’re still here, and we’re still going to fight this season,” Dishman said.
Brown credited the coaching staff for preparing the team. “The coaches did a really good job, especially preparing us at practice. We were really ready to go for this game. We knew what our mindset needed to be at the plate, and we knew we needed to go make plays, and we went out and executed that game.”
The win improves Republic’s record to 4-2 overall and 1-1 in the Central Ozark Conference. The Lady Tigers host Seneca on Saturday.