Nighthawk Softball Sweeps NJCAA Opener
The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk softball team (6-10) swept its NJCAA Region
2 series against North Arkansas College over the weekend, taking a 6-1 victory in
the opener and winning the finale, 4-2.
NPC outhit the Lady Pioneers, 12-4, in game one en route to victory. The Nighthawks
started the scoring in the top of the first inning with an RBI groundout from freshman
center fielder Tayler Southern (Winnsboro, Louisiana). After North Arkansas College
tied the game in the bottom of the second inning, the Nighthawks responded with two
runs across in the third inning to take the lead. Sophomore shortstop Logan Nies (Rockwall,
Texas) and freshman designated player Karlee Marrall (Perryville) smacked back-to-back
RBI singles to give NPC a 3-1 advantage.
With an RBI single from Southern and an RBI double from Marrall, National Park College
padded with two runs in the fifth inning. NPC added its final run of the game in the
top of the seventh inning on an RBI single from Nies to secure victory.
Sophomore pitcher Cameron Person (Bonham, Texas) pitched a complete game to earn the
win, allowing one run on four hits with seven strikeouts. Marrall and sophomore left
fielder Reagan White (Carrollton, Texas) led NPC at the plate with three hits apiece.
A back-and-forth battle went the Nighthawks’ way late in game two. Trailing, 1-0,
after three innings, NPC evened the score
in the fourth inning on an RBI single from sophomore right fielder Aubree Goodnight
(Benton). After North Arkansas College regained the lead, 2-1, in the bottom of the
fourth inning, NPC tied the game with a fifth inning RBI triple from Nies. In the
sixth inning, National Park College took the lead on a two-run double from freshman
second baseman Taylor Ashbrook (Fort Worth, Texas), which proved to be enough for
NPC to achieve the series sweep.
Freshman hurler Bailee Cowell (Clarksville) allowed two runs on four hits with five
strikeouts over four innings in the start for NPC. Freshman pitcher Gracie Fowler
(Texarkana) earned the win in relief, firing three scoreless innings with three strikeouts.
Nies led NPC at the plate, finishing two-for-four.
NPC travels to Carl Albert State College in Poteau, Oklahoma for an NJCAA Region 2
double header Saturday, March 9, beginning at 1 p.m.
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
