The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawks softball team (0-4) dropped its two-game series against Northwest Mississippi Community College on Tuesday, falling, 14-11, in game one and dropping an 11-4 decision in game two.
In a back-and-forth series opener, NPC fought hard—overcoming a four-run first inning deficit to tie the game, 5-5, in the top of the fourth inning. After the Rangers scored the go-ahead run in the bottom of the fourth inning, the Nighthawks plated two runs in the fifth inning to regain the lead, 7-6, and an additional run in the top of the sixth inning. An eight-run sixth inning by the Rangers turned the tide, however, with the Nighthawks forced to overcome an 14-8 deficit late. Despite scoring three runs in the top of the seventh inning, the Nighthawks’ rally ended abruptly, resulting in the team’s third loss of the season.
Sophomore Kya Schmidt (Greenwood) and freshmen Emma Hayes (Hot Springs), Shelbee LeJeune (Maurice, LA) and Jadyn Hart (Paris) recorded two hits apiece. LeJeune finished with two homers, driving in five runs. Hart got the start for NPC, allowing eight hits and nine runs with one strikeout through five innings in the loss.
After allowing three runs in the first two innings of game two, NPC tied the nightcap, 3-3, in the third inning on a two-run home run from freshman third baseman Julie Johnson (Vilonia). The Rangers regained the lead in the bottom of the third, plating two runs, before erupting on a four-run fourth inning to put the game out of reach. The Nighthawks mustered a run in the fourth inning, but were unable to complete the comeback to avoid the series sweep.
Hayes finished 2-4 with an RBI in the loss. Freshman pitcher Kacey Solida (Texarkana) got the start, surrendering five runs on five hits over two-and-one-third innings, walking one, in the loss.
The Nighthawks play host to Southwest Tennessee Community College in a double header at Hot Springs World Class High School on Saturday, Feb. 5 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The games will be streamed live on the Nighthawk Network.
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
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