The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk softball team split its series with Carl Albert State College (Poteau, OK) Saturday, dropping the first game, 11-2, and defeating the Lady Vikings in the finale, 10-5.
After tallying three runs in the second inning, the Lady Vikings took advantage of a slow offensive start from the Nighthawks to blow the lead open in the third inning, taking an 11-0 advantage.
NPC chipped away at the deficit in the fourth and fifth innings, with freshman Madeline Bruce (Conway) stealing home in the fourth and freshman Madalynn Thompson (Bryant) cranking a solo home run in the fifth, but the Nighthawk comeback fell short, ending the game after five innings.
Nighthawk freshman hurler Brooke Nalley (Alvarado, TX) took the loss for the Nighthawks, allowing three hits and five runs over two innings, while striking out three. Freshman pitcher Ruby Hause (Bauxite) and sophomore pitcher Sarah Todd (Conway) entered the game in relief, throwing two-thirds and two-and-a-third innings, respectively.
Thompson finished 3-3 at the plate with a solo home run.
In game two, NPC struck back, taking command with a six-run second inning to overcome an early 2-1 deficit. Fueled by three home runs from sophomore Jessye Rowland (Bonnerdale), freshman Baley Williams (Alma) and freshman Kaylee Partee (Vilonia), the Nighthawks built a lead that would not be relinquished, sending the Nighthawks to their first NJCAA Region II Division II conference win of the season.
Todd grabbed the complete-game win for the Nighthawks, allowing seven hits and five runs while striking out two and walking zero.
Thompson finished 3-4 at the plate, while Williams added two hits, including a home run. Sophomore Emily Cecil (Conway) tallied with two hits and two RBI in the win.
Nighthawks softball plays host to Eastern Oklahoma State College Wednesday, Mar. 10 for a double header beginning at 2 p.m.
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
