The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk softball team (19-13, 3-3) dropped its NJCAA
Region II series against University of Arkansas Rich Mountain (UA Rich Mountain) Tuesday,
falling, 4-1, in the opener, followed by a 2-0 defeat in game two.
A three-run fourth inning made the difference for UA Rich Mountain in game one. After
the Bucks lit up the scoreboard with an RBI fielder’s choice in the third inning,
NPC responded with an RBI fielder’s choice from sophomore pitcher Jadyn Hart (Magazine)
to tie the game, 1-1. In the fourth inning, however, the Bucks led off with a solo
home run while adding insurance runs on an RBI single and a throwing error to take
the lead for good. NPC was held hitless down the stretch, squashing the Nighthawks’
attempt at a comeback.
Sophomore pitcher Jadyn Hart (Magazine) got the start for NPC, allowing four runs
on eight hits over four and one-third innings, striking out four. Freshman pitcher
Cameron Person (Bonham, Texas) threw two and two-thirds of an inning in relief, notching
five strikeouts. Sophomore center fielder Emma Hayes (Munford, Alabama) finished two-for-three
at the plate in the loss.
Despite outhitting the Bucks, six to four, in game two, NPC struggled to score in
the series finale. UA Rich Mountain broke the scoreless stalemate in the fourth inning,
plating a run on a throwing error, before adding the final run of the game on a solo
home run in the sixth inning.
Freshman pitcher Makenna Keeton (Morrilton) got the start for NPC, allowing two runs
on four hits over seven innings while striking out 12. Hayes led NPC at the plate,
finishing two-for-three in the loss.
NPC plays host to South Arkansas Community College in an NJCAA Region II double header
Saturday, April 1, beginning at 2 p.m. at Majestic Park. 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
Instagram: nighthawkathletics
Snapchat: npnighthawks