OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - Despite shaking off a slow start and holding no. 1 seed Cowley College (39-12) scoreless in the third and fourth innings, no. 8 Highland (17-25) wasn't able to mount a comeback in the first round of the NJCAA Plains District Tournament, falling 8-0 (6 innings) on Tuesday at the JCCC Softball Field.

Highland was able to get a runner on base immediately, as Emma Doleshal drew a hit-by-pitch on the second pitch of the contest. The Scotties weren't able to advance Doleshal past first, however, as Cowley shortstop Taverli Tennant was able to get a glove to Makenzie Leake's sharp two-out effort and record the force at second to end the inning.

Cowley managed to push across a pair of runs in the bottom of the first and add a third in the bottom of the second inning before the Scotties were able to settle into a rhythm.

Doleshal picked up a two-out single in the top of the third and advanced to second on a wild pitch to Alaryce Millard. Unfortunately, Millard wasn't able to keep the rally going as Cowley's centerfielder was able to chase down Millard's hard-hit liner.

Highland's defense made a big impact in the bottom of the third and fourth innings, twice retiring the Tigers in order. Tyra Wright chased down back-to-back efforts to open the third before a well-handled popup by Doleshal, and Millard flashed the leather on the first batter she faced in the fourth, calmly snagging a brisk comebacker for the first out.

The Scotties managed to threaten in the top of the fourth as Makenzie Leake blooped a single to center and raced to second as Tennant misplayed it, then again in the top of the fifth as Libbi Puga drew a two-out walk, but Highland wasn't able to convert either chance and Cowley pulled away for the win.

Highland moves to the consolation bracket and will square off against no. 5 seed Labette Community College on Wednesday. First pitch in the contest is set for 9 a.m., an adjustment from the originally scheduled start time of 11 due to possible inclement weather.