Nighthawk Softball Splits with Vikings
POTEAU, OKLAHOMA - The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk softball team (7-13) split its NJCAA Region 2 series against Carl Albert State College over the weekend, falling to the Vikings, 9-5, in the opener and bouncing back with an 8-1 win in the finale.
A late rally from behind fell short for the Nighthawks in game one. Trailing 7-0 in the fifth inning, freshman catcher Dallas Phelps (Corinth, Texas) lit up the scoreboard with an RBI groundout, followed by a two-run home run from sophomore first baseman Molly Poole (Monett, Missouri). NPC shrunk the deficit further in the sixth inning with sophomore right fielder Aubree Goodnight (Benton) smacking an RBI double, with Goodnight scoring later in the inning on a passed ball to pull within two runs, 7-5. Carl Albert State College padded the lead for good in the bottom of the sixth inning, scoring two runs. Unable to respond in the seventh inning, NPC fell for the first time in NJCAA Region 2 play this season.
Freshman pitcher Gracie Fowler (Texarkana) got the start for NPC, allowing five runs on six hits over three innings. Freshman hurler Kandyce Reed (Pangburn) entered in relief, allowing four runs on six hits with three strikeouts over three innings. At the plate, Goodnight, Poole and freshman center fielder Tayler Southern (Winnsboro, Louisiana) finished with one hit apiece in the loss.
NPC turned the tables in game two, grabbing an early lead and never looking back. Sophomore third baseman Katie Branch (Waco, Texas) opened the scoring with an RBI single in the top of the first inning, followed by Poole’s second home run of the series—a two-run blast. Later in the inning, sophomore designated player Sophia Meadows (Benton) smacked her first home run as a Nighthawk, giving NPC a 4-0 advantage. National Park College poured on three runs in the fourth inning, with sophomore shortstop Logan Nies (Rockwall, Texas) delivering a two-run homer, followed by an RBI double from Fowler.
Carl Albert State College avoided the shutout in the bottom of the sixth inning, plating one run. With an RBI groundout in the top of the seventh inning, Meadows put the finishing touches on the Nighthawk win to even the series.
Freshman hurler Bailee Cowell (Clarksville) went the distance in the circle, allowing one run on three hits with three strikeouts for NPC. At the plate, Nies and Poole finished with two hits apiece in the win.
NPC plays host to Arkansas State University-Mountain Home in an NJCAA Region 2 double header Thursday, March 14, beginning at 12 p.m. [np.edu/live]The games will be streamed live on the Nighthawk Network.
For more information on schedules, rosters and more, visit [np.edu/athletics]Nighthawk Athletics online. Fans can also follow the Nighthawks all season on social media.Facebook: Nighthawk AthleticsTwitter: @NPC_NighthawksInstagram: nighthawkathletics
####
National Park College was established in 1973 and is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The College serves approximately 7,000 credit and non-credit students per year. NPC is a comprehensive two-year institution offering associate degrees and certificates as well as continuing education, community services and workforce training.