The Benton Central Varsity Softball team opened the 2026 season in impressive fashion Thursday night, earning an 8-5 victory on the road at Carroll to improve to 1-0. The Lady Bison came out swinging early, plating two runs in the top of the first inning. Chloe Linder sparked the offense with a double down the right field line, while Julianna Sibray followed with an RBI single to give Benton Central an early advantage. After Carroll answered with five runs over the first two innings to take a 5-2 lead, the Lady Bison stayed composed and continued to chip away. Benton Central regained the lead for good in the top of the fifth inning when Adalynn Keller delivered a clutch two-run single, putting the Lady Bison ahead 6-5. Benton Central added insurance runs late and finished with 10 hits on the night. Linder led the way offensively, going 3-for-4 with a double. Sydney Groves added a strong performance at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a team-high three RBIs. The Lady Bison also showed patience at the plate, drawing five walks, with Sibray and Reagan Dowell each earning two. In the circle, Harper Butler went the distance for Benton Central, allowing five runs (four earned) on eight hits while striking out five to earn the win. The Lady Bison will look to keep the momentum going as they travel to North Newton for their next contest on Friday, April 10th.