Nighthawks Down Rockets In NJCAA Opener
The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk softball team (18-10, 2-0) swept Southern
Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech) in its NJCAA Region II opener Tuesday, picking
up a 4-0 victory in the opener and earning a 9-2 victory in game two.
In game one, NPC got on the board in the first inning when sophomore center fielder
Emma Hayes (Munford, Alabama) scored on a fielding error. The Nighthawks added a run
in the third inning on an RBI triple from sophomore designated player Jadyn Hart (Magazine)
before batting in the final two runs of the game on an RBI sacrifice fly from freshman
shortstop Logan Nies (Rockwall, Texas) and an RBI groundout by Hart in the fourth
inning.
Freshman pitcher Makenna Keeton (Morrilton) picked up her fifth win of the season,
allowing just two hits with five strikeouts in the complete game victory. Hayes led
NPC at the plate, finishing three-for-four in the win.
NPC cruised to an easy victory in game two, jumping out to a 6-0 lead through three
innings and never looking back. The Nighthawks plated two runs in the first inning
on fielder’s choices from freshman catcher Gracie Redmon (Benton) and freshman first
baseman Reagan Torres (Fort Worth, Texas).
In the second inning, NPC took advantage of defensive miscues to score three runs
before adding their sixth run of the game on a line drive RBI single from Hayes in
the third inning.
SAU Tech got on the board in the fourth inning, smacking a two-run home run, but NPC
answered back with one run in the bottom of the inning, followed by a two-run fifth
inning to secure the series sweep.
In the circle, Hart shined, allowing two runs on six hits with four strikeouts over
seven innings. Nies, Hayes, sophomore designated player Abigail Pittman (Jonesboro)
and freshman catcher Gracie Redmon (Benton) finished with two hits apiece in the win.
NPC plays host to State Fair Community College in a double header Tuesday, March 21
beginning at noon 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
