Strong defense offset a slow start as the softball team pulled away late knocking off Hutchinson 9-0 on Tuesday night.

Sophomore Lauryn Ogden led the Eagles from the mound, stifling Hutchinson’s offense.

Senior Allie Jurgensen ignited Maize’s offense in the seventh inning with a grand slam. It was Jurgensen’s first grand slam of the season and the second of her career.

“[It] felt great because my team is so supportive,” Jurgensen said.

Jurgensen said she believes Maize has been overlooked this year, and she also said she looks forward to proving doubters wrong as the season progresses.

Maize and Hutchinson started the second game of the scheduled doubleheader, but rain cut the game short. No makeup date for the second game has been announced.

The softball team is back in action on Friday at Olathe South and Shawnee Mission South for a doubleheader starting at 3:30 p.m.