Ferguson's Two Home Runs Help Raiders Past Indians In Regular Season Finale

MARIANNA, Fla. — McKayla Ferguson showcased her power at the plate, blasting two home runs and driving in five runs to propel Northwest Florida State softball to a 10-7 victory over Chipola on Tuesday. Ferguson's homers came in the second and fourth innings, solidifying her impact on the game.

At the bottom of the Raiders' lineup, Autumn Vessier, Hayden Andrews, and Ferguson combined for eight hits out of the team's total of 12, contributing to seven runs scored.

The Indians struck first in the opening inning with Akyndra Montalvo's solo home run to center field. However, Northwest quickly turned the tide, taking a 3-1 lead in the second inning courtesy of homers by Autumn Vessier and Ferguson. Ferguson continued her offensive onslaught with another home run in the fourth inning, driving in two more runs for the Raiders.

In a back-and-forth battle, the Indians managed to tie the game in the sixth inning through a combination of an error, a ground out by Montalvo, and a single by Anyela Ruiz. They added one more run in the seventh inning with Gracie Suggs' solo home run to center field.

Breana Barnes secured the win for the Raiders with a solid relief performance, allowing only two hits and one earned run over three innings.

Northwest Florida's offense was firing on all cylinders, amassing 12 hits in the game. Vessier and Andrews led the charge with three hits each, while Sister Arnold and Ferguson each contributed two hits. Andrews also showcased her speed on the basepaths, stealing two bases.

Chipola's Montalvo and Ruiz each collected two hits and drove in two runs. Despite their efforts, the Indians were unable to stave off Northwest Florida State's offensive barrage. Overall, Northwest Florida's aggressive base running strategy paid off, as they accumulated four stolen bases throughout the game.

The Raiders cap of their regular season with a whopping 52 wins on the year making them a staggering 52-3 for the season. This sets a new record for the highest winning percentage to finish a regular season in program history. Now the team looks forward to the FCSAA State/Region VIII Tournament beginning next Wednesday in Clearwater, Fla. The Raiders do not know who they will play as of now. However, with the best record in the state of Florida, and second best record in the nation, one could assume they would secure a top in this years tournament.