The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk softball team (16-16) dropped its NJCAA
Region 2 series against No. 4 Murray State College Thursday, dropping a 20-2 decision
in game one and falling, 10-2, in the finale.
A couple of big innings made the difference for the Aggies in the opener. After taking
a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning, Murray State College poured on 18 runs
over the next two innings to take a commanding lead. NPC got on the board in the bottom
of the third inning on an RBI sacrifice fly from freshman second baseman Taylor Ashbrook
(Fort Worth, Texas) and added another run in the bottom of the fifth inning on an
RBI single from Ashbrook, but it was not enough to turn the tide in defeat.
Sophomore pitcher Cameron Person (Bonham, Texas) got the start for NPC, allowing seven
runs on four hits over one inning, striking out one. Freshman hurlers Kandyce Reed
(Pangburn) and Gracie Fowler (Texarkana) made relief appearances in the loss. At the
plate, sophomore left fielder Reagan White (Carrollton, Texas) led the offense for
NPC, finishing two-for-two with two runs scored.
Murray State College’s bats remained hot in game two. After the Aggies took the lead,
1-0, in the top of the first inning, NPC answered with an RBI single from sophomore
third baseman Sophia Meadows (Benton) to tie the game. Murray State College broke
the stalemate in the top of the third inning, plating three runs. The Aggies got back
on the board in the fourth inning, scoring three more runs to build a 7-1 advantage.
NPC knocked in its final run of the game in the bottom of the fifth inning on a solo
home run from sophomore shortstop Logan Nies (Rockwall, Texas), whose homer tied former
Nighthawk Jadyn Hart for first all-time in round trippers. With three more runs in the top of the sixth inning, Murray State
College was able to secure the series sweep.
Freshman pitcher Bailee Cowell (Clarksville) took the loss in the circle for NPC.
The righthander surrendered eight runs on nine hits over five innings of work, striking
out one. Reed and Fowler contributed in relief. Ashbrook led the Nighthawks at the
plate, finishing two-for-three in the loss.
NPC plays host to Carl Albert State College in an NJCAA Region 2 double header Saturday,
April 13, beginning at 2 p.m. at Hot Springs World Class High School.
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
Instagram: nighthawkathletics
