The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk softball team (3-1) split its second day of Bullet Softball Tournament play Sunday, defeating Pratt Community College, 8-0, and falling, 4-1, to Hines Community College.
A big third inning was all NPC needed to take care of Pratt Community College in the opener. The Nighthawks plated five runs in the frame, led by a two-run triple from freshman second baseman Dallas Phelps (Corinth, Texas). Sophomore shortstop Logan Nies (Rockwall, Texas) smacked an RBI double, followed by RBI singles from sophomore designated player Molly Poole (Monett, Missouri) and freshman center fielder Tayler Southern (Winnsboro, Louisiana) to give National Park College a 5-0 advantage.
Phelps extended the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning with an RBI fielder’s choice. Leading, 6-0, in the bottom of the fifth inning, freshman pinch hitter Chloe Byte (Blanchard, Oklahoma) added an RBI sacrifice fly, followed by a walk-off home run from freshman catcher Ryanne Lefford (Beebe) to seal the run-ruled victory for NPC.
Freshman pitcher Kandyce Reed (Pangburn) earned her first win of the season, allowing one hit while striking out two over five scoreless innings. Lefford, Poole, sophomore first baseman Katie Branch (Waco, Texas) and sophomore left fielder Reagan White (Carrollton, Texas) notched two hits apiece in the win.
Despite leading Hines Community College, 1-0, after four innings, the Nighthawks could not overcome a four-run fifth inning from the Bulldogs. NPC’s lone run came in the top of the fourth inning, where Lefford scored Nies on an RBI single. The Nighthawks threatened to rally in the top of the seventh inning, putting two baserunners on and the potential tying run at the plate, but NPC could not complete the comeback in the team’s first loss of the season.
Freshman pitcher Bailee Cowell (Clarksville) got the start for NPC, allowing four runs on nine hits with three strikeouts over five innings. Nies led the Nighthawks at the plate, finishing two-for-three in the loss.
NPC plays host to Paris Junior College in a double header at Majestic Park Tuesday, February 6 at 2 and 4 p.m. [np.edu/live]The games will be streamed live on the Nighthawk Network.
For more information on schedules, rosters and more, visit Nighthawk Athletics online. Fans can also follow the Nighthawks all season on social media.
Facebook: Nighthawk Athletics
Twitter: @NPC_Nighthawks
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