Raiders Erupt for 26 Runs On Saturday, Picking Up Two More Conference Wins in the Process
PANAMA CITY, Fla. — Northwest Florida State softball continues to stay hot after picking up a pair of 13-3 wins Saturday against number ten Gulf Coast State, riding a two-home run, eight RBI performance by Christina Mason.
These triumphs give the Raiders four straight to-open conference play, improving their overall record to 34-2. The Raiders exploded for 26 runs thanks to an eight RBI performance by Christina mason, highlighted by a first-inning grand slam in game one, and a two-run home run in game two.
Aside form Mason's performance, Ashlyn Shirah, Gyvan Hammons and McKayla Ferguson were all able to contribute three RBI's each, adding to the Raiders' offensive onslaught.
Cailyn Heyl and Tori Taylor held down the circle, only giving up four earned runs each (six runs total). Particularly, Heyl stood out in game one after only conceding two-hits and one walk to the Commodores.
GAME ONE
In the opening game, Christina Mason's stellar performance propelled number two Northwest Florida State to a commanding 13-3 victory over number ten Gulf Coast State on Saturday. Mason's explosive bat drove in six runs, highlighted by a first-inning grand slam to right field, scoring four runs, and a fifth-inning single that brought in two more. The Raiders swiftly took the lead with Mason's grand slam in the top of the first, followed by key hits from McKayla Ferguson and Hayden Andrews in the third inning.
Pitcher Cailyn Heyl clinched the win for the Raiders, allowing just two hits and three runs (two earned) across five innings, with a solid strikeout-to-walk ratio. Ashlyn Shirah and Ferguson led the offensive charge with multiple hits each, while the team demonstrated discipline at the plate with six walks and aggressiveness on the bases with three stolen bases.
For the Commodores, McKenzie Cain and Allison Tryon stood out with their contributions, each collecting a hit. Tryon particularly showcased her prowess with two runs batted in, leading her team's offensive efforts.
GAME TWO
In the second game, Northwest Florida State surged with an eight-run explosion in the fifth inning, propelling them to another 13-3 triumph over Gulf Coast State. The offensive onslaught was led by a series of impactful plays: McKayla Ferguson and Kamryn Carver drew walks with the bases loaded, Gyvan Hammons singled to drive in two runs, Ashlyn Shirah doubled to add two more, and Christina Mason delivered a powerful homer to left field, bringing in two additional runs.
The Raiders initiated their scoring in the top of the third inning, with Shirah, Sister Arnold, and Britt Bourgoyne each contributing to notch a run.
Tori Taylor secured the win on the mound for the Raiders, allowing eight hits and three runs (two earned) over five innings, with a commendable performance despite not registering any strikeouts or walks. Lexi Shelby started for the Commodores, yielding six hits and 10 runs (three earned) over four and one-third innings, with four strikeouts and three walks.
Shirah and Hammons were instrumental in the lineup, each collecting two hits and driving in three runs, providing a potent offensive combination for the Raiders. The team displayed aggressive baserunning with four stolen bases and executed a crucial double play.
The Raiders defensive effort was flawless, with no errors committed throughout the game. Bourgoyne was particularly active in the field, handling the most chances with four.
UP NEXT
The Raiders will resume their conference schedule Wednesday with another doubleheader at NWF Softball complex when they take on Pensacola State, beginning at 4:00 PM.