Nighthawk Softball Sweeps Season Opener
The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawks softball team (3-1) swept its season opener
against Connors State College Friday at Majestic Park, winning game one, 11-8, and
taking a 6-5 victory in game two.
After falling behind, 7-1, early in game one, NPC erupted with eight runs in the bottom
of the third inning, capitalized by a grand slam from freshman third baseman Katie
Branch (Mart, Texas), to take the lead. Branch added insurance runs in the fifth inning
with an RBI single while coming around to score on a bases-loaded walk. Connors State
College added one run in the sixth inning, but could not overcome the deficit, leading
to the Nighthawk victory.
Freshman pitcher Cameron Person (Bonham, Texas) earned the win in relief, surrendering
one run on four hits over four-and-a-third innings, striking out two. Branch finished
two-for-three at the plate, with five RBI and three runs scored, including the go-ahead
grand slam.
NPC’s bats remained hot in game two, taking a 6-0 lead through three innings. Connors
State College chipped away at the lead for the remainder of the contest, scoring three
runs in the fourth inning and two runs in the sixth inning. With Connors State threatening
to tie the game in the seventh inning, NPC picked off a Cowgirls baserunner attempting
to steal home to secure the series sweep.
Freshman pitcher Makenna Keeton (Jerusalem) picked up the win, allowing four runs
on six hits over five innings with four strikeouts. Keeton and freshmen Logan Nies
(Rockwall, Texas) and Aubree Goodnight (Benton) collected two hits apiece in the win.
The Nighthawks travel to Youngsville, Louisiana to play in the Bullets Tournament
Friday and the Mardi Gras Invitational Saturday. NPC faces East Central at 4:30 p.m.
followed by Pearl River at 7 p.m. Friday. Saturday, NPC faces Itawamba at 11:30 a.m.
followed by Mississippi Gulf Coast 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
