Raiders Split a Pair of Games in Oxford

GAME ONE

Northwest Florida Softball suffered its first lost to Three Rivers Lady Raiders, losing 7-4 on Friday, despite out-hitting them nine to eight.

The Three Rivers seized an early lead in the top of the first inning, capitalizing on an error that brought in one run. Haley Payne's single and Josie Bezzole's double further extended their advantage, with Natalie Wilks's groundout adding another run.

Adding to their tally, the Three Rivers scored one more run in the second inning courtesy of Gracie Wright's single. Alyssa Bastien's solo home run in the sixth inning further widened the gap for the Three Rivers.

In a late effort, Sister Arnold's homer in the bottom of the seventh inning brought in two runs for Northwest Florida.

Emma Crabb secured the win for the Three Rivers, pitching a complete game and allowing nine hits and four runs while striking out eight and walking five. Tori Taylor pitched admirably in relief for Northwest Florida, striking out seven and walking one over six and two-thirds innings. However, Breana Barnes took the loss, surrendering five runs (three earned) in just one-third of an inning.

Contributing to Northwest Florida offense, Arnold and Ashlyn Shirah each drove in two runs, while Britt Bourgoyne collected two hits. Sophia Jones led the team with two walks.

GAME TWO

McKayla Ferguson showcased her hitting prowess, going 3-for-4 at the plate, as Northwest Florida softball secured an 11-3 victory over Volunteer State on Friday. Ferguson's hits included a triple in the first inning, a single in the third inning, and another single in the seventh inning.

Northwest Florida wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, notching two triples in the top of the first inning. Sister Arnold's triple brought in the first run of the game. The Raiders extended their lead in the second inning with four runs, courtesy of RBI singles from Ashlyn Shirah, Sister Arnold, and Christina Mason. An error in the third inning further widened the Raiders lead to 7-1. 

Cailyn Heyl earned the win for Northwest Florida, pitching a complete game and allowing six hits and three runs (two earned) while striking out two and walking five. Kaitlyn Davis started in the circle for Volunteer State Community College, giving up seven hits and seven runs (zero earned) over four innings.

The Raiders recorded a total of 15 hits in the game, with Arnold, Mason, and Autumn Vessier each driving in two runs. Shirah and Britt Bourgoyne contributed multiple hits, while the team stole four bases and turned one double play.