Nighthawk Softball Sweeps NJCAA Opener
HARRISON, ARKANSAS - 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 [np.edu/athletics]Nighthawk Athletics online. Fans can also follow the Nighthawks all season on social media.Facebook: Nighthawk AthleticsTwitter: @NPC_NighthawksInstagram: nighthawkathletics
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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.