Alden-Conger junior Haley Knutsoon hit a walkoff homer in the bottom of the eighth inning Tuesday to complete a comeback for the Knights softball team in a 5-4 victory over Nicollet.

Knutson led off the eighth with a blast to right center to give Alden-Conger a victory in its season-opening game.

The Knights (1-0, 1-0 Valley) trailed 4-0 after the top of the third, but picked up single runs in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth innings to tie the game.

“This is the first time I’ve seen us battle back and compete,” said Alden-Conger head coach Gary Nelson.

Sophomore Nikki Schultz went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a triple and freshman Ariel Keller finished 2-for-2 with a home run for the Knights.

Freshman Alli Songstad got the victory on the mound for Alden-Conger. Songstad allowed four runs — one earned — on eight hits, struck out six and walked none in her first start of the season.

The Knights face Madelia-Truman Thursday in Alden.

Alden-Conger 5, Nicollet 4, 8 innings

Nicollet 004 000 00 — 4 8 2

Alden-Conger 001 111 01 — 5 7 2

WP—Alli Songstad 8 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K