Raiders Advance to FCSAA/Region VIII Championship Game After Defeating Central Florida 10-6
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Northwest Florida State softball secured a 10-6 victory over College of Central Florida on Thursday. Pitcher Cailyn Heyl earned her 33rd win of the season, allowing 10 hits and six runs across seven innings while striking out two and walking three.
Gyvan Hammons led the Raiders with three hits on the day, also contributing one RBI. Christina Mason and McKayla Ferguson combined for five RBIs in the game. Mason drove in one run with a single in the first inning and added two more with a triple in the fifth. Ferguson contributed with a solo homer in the second inning and another RBI with a fielder's choice. Autumn Vessier and Sophia Jones also contributed with solo home runs in the sixth inning, further bolstering the Raiders' offense.
College of Central Florida struck first in the opening inning when Hailey Scott singled, bringing in one run. In response, Christina Mason's single helped the Raiders tie the game at one in the bottom of the first. The momentum shifted in favor of Northwest Florida in the bottom of the second when McKayla Ferguson smashed a solo home run to left field, propelling them to a 2-1 lead. However, Scott's single in the top of the third allowed College of Central Florida to even the score at two.
The Raiders regained the lead in the bottom of the third inning when Haley Guffey induced Ferguson into a fielder's choice, resulting in one run. Gyvan Hammons followed with a single to extend the lead to 5-2. Northwest Florida further extended their lead with two additional runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, courtesy of solo home runs by Autumn Vessier and Sophia Jones.
The Patriots tried to rally back in the top of the seventh, scoring two runs off back-to-back doubles, but the Raiders' ace Cailyn Heyl was able to close out the inning with minimal damage, and secure the victory.
The Raiders recorded a total of 12 hits in the game. Mason stood out with three RBIs, while Hammons led in hits with three in four at-bats. Britt Bourgoyne contributed two hits in four at-bats. Sister Arnold drew three walks for Northwest Florida State, showcasing patience at the plate. Ashlyn Shirah stole two bases, and the team collectively stole four bases.
The win advanced Northwest Florida to tomorrow's Championship game where they will have a chance to win their first ever FCSAA State/NJCAA South Atlantic District Championship. The Raiders await the winner of Florida Southwestern and Indian River - two teams who have been ranked in the NJCAA top-ten all season. First pitch for tomorrows Championship game is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. (CDT) from Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater.