The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk softball team dropped a NJCAA Division II
Region II series to Murray State College Sunday, losing the first game, 13-3 in six
innings, and dropping the second game, 13-7. After the Aggies put up three runs in the first inning, NPC (17-15, 6-8) chipped away
with two runs in the bottom of the frame to cut the deficit to one. Murray State College
added an insurance run in the second inning, with NPC adding its third run in the
bottom of the second inning to stay within one run, 4-3.
After adding four additional runs over the third, fourth and fifth innings, the Aggies
smashed five runs in the sixth inning, taking a 10-run lead en route to the team’s
ninth Region II victory of the season.
Nighthawk freshman Baley Williams (Alma) went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead NPC in
hits.
Nighthawk sophomore hurler Sarah Todd (Conway) allowed three hits and three runs over
one-third of an inning, striking out one. Freshman pitchers Ruby Hause (Bauxite) and
Brooke Nalley (Alvarado, TX) entered the game in relief, throwing five innings and
two-thirds of an inning, respectively, in the loss.
In game two, Murray State College began in similar fashion—knocking in three runs
in the top of the first inning to grab the early lead. In the bottom of the third
inning, NPC cut the lead in half behind singles from sophomores Emily Cecil (Conway)
and Jessye Rowland (Bonnerdale) and a double from freshman Madeline Bruce (Conway).
The Aggies regained momentum in the fourth inning, scoring three additional runs,
while adding two runs apiece in the fifth and sixth innings to pad the lead. NPC added
four runs across the fourth, fifth and sixth innings, but could not complete the comeback.
Nighthawk freshman Madalynn Thompson (Bryant) went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead NPC
in hits, while Bruce, Cecil and Rowland finished with multiple hits in the loss.
Nalley got the start in the circle for NPC, allowing eight runs on seven hits through
three and one-third innings, while striking out two. In relief, Todd allowed four
runs on seven hits, while striking out one.
NPC celebrates Homecoming on Saturday, Apr. 17 for a double header against North Arkansas
College beginning at 2 p.m. Game two of the double header will be livestreamed at
xzerosports.com.
For more information on schedules, rosters and more, visit Nighthawks Softball online. Fans can also follow the Nighthawks all season on social media.
Facebook: Nighthawk Athletics
Twitter: @NPC_Nighthawks
Instagram: nighthawkathletics
Snapchat: npnighthawks
