Northwest Florida Softball Sweeps Chipola, Extends Home Win Streak to 54
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Chipola College | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
|
Northwest Florida State College | 0 | 3 | 5 | 1 | X | 9 | 8 | 0 |
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Chipola College | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 1 |
|
Northwest Florida State College | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | X | 6 | 10 | 1 |
NICEVILLE, Fla. — Northwest Florida State Softball continued its dominant run on Saturday, securing back-to-back victories over Chipola College with 9-1 and 6-3 wins. The sweep not only keeps the Raiders undefeated in Panhandle Conference play at 8-0 but also extends their remarkable home winning streak to 54 games —a run that dates back to 2023—and overall win streak to 26 games.
Game One: Hughes' Power Surge Leads Raiders to 9-1 Victory
In the first game of the doubleheader, Haley Hughes delivered a standout performance at the plate, driving in five runs on two extra-base hits to propel Northwest Florida past Chipola. The freshman slugger launched a three-run home run in the second inning before adding a two-run triple in the third, providing a major boost to the Raiders' offense.
Despite the Indians striking first in the opening inning on an RBI single from Gabrie Flowers, the Raiders quickly responded. Hughes' three-run blast in the second inning put Northwest Florida in front, and a five-run explosion in the third all but secured the win. Key contributions from Sara Watson and Hayden Andrews helped the bottom half of the lineup combine for four of the team's eight hits, five runs, and seven RBIs.
On the mound, Cailyn Heyl was in control from start to finish. The right-hander delivered a complete-game performance, allowing just three hits and one run over five innings while striking out five. Northwest Florida also excelled defensively, playing error-free softball and showing aggression on the basepaths with three stolen bases. Hughes finished 2-for-2 with five RBIs and two runs scored, while Watson and Andrews contributed to the offensive surge. Heyl dominated in the circle, finishing with five strikeouts, and Hailey Henry anchored the defense with a team-high six chances.
Game Two: Early Home Runs Lift Raiders to 6-3 Win
The second game saw a balanced offensive attack and strong pitching carry the Raiders to their 42nd victory of the season.
Chipola jumped out to an early 1-0 lead after a first-inning RBI single by Diana Arcay, but the Raiders responded swiftly. In the bottom of the inning, Sister Arnold and Falyn Beebe each homered, pushing Northwest Florida ahead 4-1 and setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Hayden Andrews added an RBI single in the third to extend the lead to 5-3, and an insurance run in the sixth sealed the win as the Raiders' pitching staff locked down the Indians' offense.
Mallory Baker earned the victory in the circle, tossing six innings and allowing three runs (one earned) on six hits. Cailyn Heyl returned in relief to pitch a flawless seventh, closing out the win. Offensively, Arnold and Beebe each went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs, while Andrews added two hits and an RBI. On the basepaths, the Raiders stole four bases, continuing their aggressive play.
Up Next
Northwest Florida State (42-2, 8-0) remains firmly in control of the Panhandle Conference standings and will aim to keep its winning streak alive as it prepares for another crucial matchup against Tallahassee State. The Raiders will host the Eagles for a noon doubleheader before hitting the Road the following Wednesday for a doubleheader against Gulf Coast in Panama City.