Hart Makes History In Sweep Of Stars
The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk softball team (21-13, 5-3) swept its NJCAA
Region II series against South Arkansas College at Hot Springs World Class High School
Saturday, defeating the Stars, 12-2, in the opener, followed by a 9-5 victory in game
two.
Despite allowing a two-run home run in the top of the first inning, NPC hit the ground
running, offensively, and never looked back. With a game-tying two-run double in the
bottom of the first inning, sophomore pitcher Jadyn Hart (Magazine) became NPC’s all-time
RBI leader, surpassing the record previously held by Madalynn Thompson.
The Nighthawks took the lead in the second inning, pouring on eight runs on RBI singles
from freshman second baseman Reagan White (Carrollton, Texas) and freshman shortstop
Logan Nies (Rockwall, Texas), a two-run double from Hart, an RBI fielder’s choice
from sophomore left fielder Shelbee LeJeune (Maurice, Louisiana) and bases-loaded
walks for freshman third baseman Katie Branch (Waco, Texas) and freshman catcher Gracie
Redmon (Benton). Tacking on additional runs in the third and fourth innings, NPC cruised
to victory in five innings.
Hart earned her sixth win of the season for NPC, allowing two runs on three hits with
five strikeouts over four innings. Sophomore pitcher Kacey Solida (Texarkana) threw
one inning of relief out of the bullpen. Nies led NPC at the plate, finishing three-for-three
in the win.
A strong second inning propelled NPC to the series sweep in game two. After allowing
a two-run home run in the top of the first inning, the Nighthawks rallied in the second
inning with a solo home run from sophomore designated player Abigail Pittman (Jonesboro),
an RBI single from sophomore center fielder Emma Hayes (Munford, Alabama) and three
additional runs on defensive errors. NPC solidified victory with two runs in the third
inning and additional runs in the fourth and fifth innings to stave off South Arkansas’
comeback attempt.
Freshman pitcher Makenna Keeton (Morrilton) got the start for NPC, allowing four runs
on six hits over three and one-third innings, striking out one. Solida picked up her
fourth win of the season in relief, allowing one run on six hits while striking out
two over three and two-thirds innings. White led NPC at the plate, finishing three-for-four
in the win.
NPC travels to North Arkansas College in an NJCAA Region II double header Thursday,
April 6, 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
