Raider softball enters post-season chase as #3-seed in conference tournament

MARIANNA, FL - The Raiders concluded their regular season on Monday evening with a trip to rival Chipola.  The two nationally-ranked programs were playing with plenty on the line, a chance to secure the #2 spot in the conference standings and receive a BYE in the Panhandle Conference tournament on Wednesday and Thursday this week. 

While the Raiders were primed for the showdown, the offense couldn't muster any momentum and thus Northwest Florida dropped the contest, 4-0.  The loss moved the Raiders to the #3-seed and into an elimination game on Wednesday afternoon vs. Gulf Coast at the Raider Softball Complex.

Chipola jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead off of four hits and never looked back thanks to a great pitching performance from their ace, Zayla McBurrows.  The Raider offense was limited to two hits but had multiple innings with baserunners due to walks.  NWF, however, was 0-6 with runners in scoring position and could not get a timely hit when they needed it.

Julia Petty pitched the majority of the game for the Raiders, going five innings and only allowing one earned run.

The loss concludes the Raiders' regular season at 39-13 and 11-8 in conference play.  Northwest Florida will host Gulf Coast on Wednesday, April 27 at 4:00 PM.  The winner will advance to play at Chipola on Thursday, April 28 where Chipola will need to win one game out of two possible tries on Thursday while the winner of NWF/Gulf Coast will need to beat Chipola twice to advance to the State Tournament.

For more information on Northwest Florida State athletics, visit NWFRaiders.com or follow @NWFRaiders on Twitter.