The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk softball team (25-17, 9-7) lost its NJCAA Region II series against top-ranked Murray State College Monday, falling to the Aggies, 10-1, in game one and 8-2 in the finale.
Blasting a three-run home run in the top of the first inning, the undefeated Aggies took control of game one early and never looked back. NPC struggled to answer, offensively, as Murray State College padded its lead with extra runs in the second, fourth and fifth innings to secure victory. With an RBI single from freshman first baseman Reagan Torres (Fort Worth, Texas) in the bottom of the fifth inning, NPC held off the shutout, but couldn’t muster enough offense to turn the tide in defeat.
Sophomore pitcher Jadyn Hart (Magazine) got the start for NPC, allowing four runs on three hits over one third of an inning. Freshman reliever Cameron Person (Bonham, Texas) entered in relief, allowing six runs on five hits with one strikeout over four innings. Sophomore reliever Kacey Solida (Texarkana) recorded the final two outs for NPC, holding the Aggies to just one hit. Torres and sophomore center fielder Emma Hayes (Munford, Alabama) finished with two hits apiece in the loss.
The Nighthawks fared better in game two, but were still unable to contain the Aggies’ high-powered offense down the stretch. With a base hit in the bottom of the fifth inning, Hayes became NPC’s all-time leader in hits, passing the record previously set by Madalynn Thompson. Freshman second baseman Reagan White (Carrollton, Texas) followed Hayes’ hit with a two-run double to keep the game alive, 8-2. The Nighthawks were unable to produce additional runs over the final two innings, however, resulting in the series sweep.
Freshman pitcher Makenna Keeton (Morrilton) got the start in the circle, allowing five runs on six hits with four strikeouts over three innings. Solida entered in relief, allowing three runs on five hits with three strikeouts over four innings. With two hits apiece, Hayes and freshman right fielder Aubree Goodnight (Benton) led NPC at the plate in the loss.
NPC plays host to Carl Albert State College in an NJCAA Region II double header Thursday, April 20, beginning at 11 a.m. Game one 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.
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