Heyl Earns Win No. 32 as NWF Survives Seminole State With 4-1 Victory

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Northwest Florida State softball secured a solid 4-1 victory over Seminole State in Wednesday's opening round of the FCSAA/Region VIII Championships, propelled by yet another standout performance from their ace, Cailyn Heyl. Heyl demonstrated her pitching prowess by allowing only one unearned run on eight hits across seven innings, while striking out three and issuing three walks.

Although the Raiders' offense didn't explode as anticipated, key hitters like Sister Arnold and Autumn Vessier delivered crucial at-bats. Arnold ignited the scoring in the first inning with a two-run homer following Gyvan Hammons' leadoff single, propelling the Raiders to an early lead. Vessier extended the advantage with a single up the middle, boosting the score to 3-1 in favor of NWF. McKayla Ferguson contributed to the scoring spree with a sacrifice fly to left, securing the Raiders' fourth and final run of the game.

Seminole State College managed to notch a lone run in the top of the first inning courtesy of a fielder's choice by Lindsay Corazzini. Despite applying pressure on Heyl throughout the game, Seminole struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, leaving their tally at one.

Morgan Greene took the mound for Seminole, surrendering six hits and four runs over two and one-third innings, while striking out two and issuing three walks.

Arnold led the charge for Northwest Florida State with two RBIs, going 1-for-3 at the plate. Britt Bourgoyne emerged as a standout performer with two hits in two at-bats. The Raiders demonstrated patience at the plate, drawing five walks collectively, with Gyvan Hammons and Vessier each earning two. Furthermore, Northwest Florida State executed a double play defensively to stifle Seminole's scoring chances.

Alyssa Julien stood out for Seminole State College, leading the team with three hits in three at-bats. Seminole State College also turned one double play in the game, highlighting their defensive efforts.

The Raiders now move into the District A bracket where they await the winner of game two between Central Florida and Gulf Coast. Whoever comes out of that game will take on the Raiders tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 p.m. (CDT) for a spot in Friday's District A Championship game.