Raiders Secure Saturday Victories Against Daytona and Wabash

GAME ONE vs. DAYTONA

Northwest Florida State pulled off a 7-5 win over Daytona State on Saturday, building an early lead and withstanding a late push from the Falcons.

Daytona State got on the board first in the opening inning when Gomes delivered an RBI single on a seven-pitch at-bat. However, the Raiders responded immediately in the bottom half, as Sister Arnold and Hailey Henry each launched solo home runs to put Northwest Florida up 2-1.

The Raiders continued to add to their lead in the third when AJ Vineski ripped an RBI double, extending the advantage to 3-1. Northwest Florida's offense kept the pressure on, breaking the game open in the middle innings and pushing the lead to six runs heading into the sixth.

Daytona State didn't go down quietly, responding with a late rally. They strung together a pair of RBI singles to close the gap, making it a 7-5 ballgame. Despite the late push, Northwest Florida held its ground to secure the win.

Pitching Highlights

Mallory Baker got the job done on the mound, pitching six innings while allowing three runs on nine hits, striking out five and walking three. Cailyn Heyl entered in relief to help shut the door on Daytona State's comeback attempt.

Offensive Leaders

Offensively, the Raiders tallied 11 hits. Henry and Vineski led the way with two hits each, while six different players drove in a run. Arnold showcased great discipline at the plate, drawing three of the team's five total walks.

Daytona State also recorded 11 hits, with Davis leading the way with a 3-for-3 performance. #7 went 2-for-2 with two RBIs, while Edmands and Giugliano also contributed multi-hit games.

GAME TWO vs. WABASH

Northwest Florida State edged out Wabash Valley Softball in a hard-fought 4-3 win on Saturday, taking the lead in the eighth inning on a clutch RBI single from Lillie Piersol.

The Raiders struck first in the third inning when Sister Arnold delivered an RBI double to put them on the board. Bre Hughes extended the lead in the sixth with a solo home run to center field, giving Northwest Florida a 2-0 advantage.

Wabash Valley rallied in the seventh, capitalizing on two errors to tie the game at three and send it into extra innings. However, the Raiders wasted no time responding, as Piersol's go-ahead single in the eighth proved to be the game-winner.

Pitching Highlights

AJ Vineski was dominant in the circle, going the distance for Northwest Florida. The lefty allowed just three hits and no earned runs over eight innings while striking out three and issuing no walks. Alexis Tucker got the start for Wabash Valley, surrendering five hits and three runs (two earned) over five innings.

Offensive Leaders

Hughes, Hailey Henry, Arnold, and Piersol each contributed an RBI for the Raiders, while Haley Hughes showcased speed on the base paths, swiping two of the team's three total stolen bases.

Wabash Valley managed just three hits in the game, with EmmaLee Higgs, Emma Banks, and Natalie Brockett each recording one.

UP NEXT

The Raiders will return home next week for back-to-back double headers against Coastal Alabama South and Enterprise State Tuesday and Wednesday. From there, the team will hit the road once more for a weekend Classic in Gulf Shores, Ala. for four more games against Meridian