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Northwest Florida State’s Softball Team have secured their second consecutive Panhandle Conference Championship, sweeping Chipola in a thrilling midweek doubleheader.
This victory marks the eighth Panhandle title in program history and the second under Coach Andy Lee’s leadership.
Winning has been the bar for these ladies this year. The Raiders’ remarkable season includes an impressive 48-3 overall record and a dominant 15-1 conference record, tying the program’s record for most conference wins.
Pitcher Cailyn Heyl’s outstanding performance led her to a perfect 28-0 record, tying the program’s single-season record for most wins by a pitcher, set by Julia Petty in 2023. Additionally, the team’s aggressive baserunning saw them tally 183 stolen bases, just one shy of matching the program’s single-season record.
With their conference championship secured, the Raiders have earned an automatic spot in next month’s state tournament. Sitting at the No. 2 spot nationally, the team aims to maintain their momentum to claim the first seed in the upcoming tournament. They have four crucial games left in the season to achieve this goal.
In the first game of Wednesday’s doubleheader, Northwest Florida State edged out Chipola with a dramatic 5-4 victory. McKayla Ferguson’s walk-off solo home run in the bottom of the seventh sealed the win, following Autumn Vessier’s leadoff home run that tied the game earlier.
Heyl’s stellar pitching performance, coupled with key offensive contributions, secured the crucial win for the Raiders.
Game two witnessed Northwest Florida State’s offensive dominance as they cruised to a commanding 10-2 win over Chipola.
The Raiders exploded for six runs in the second inning, setting the tone for the game. Pitcher Breana Barnes delivered a solid performance, supported by a strong offensive display from her teammates.
The Raiders’ next matchups promise more excitement as they face Tallahassee, Gulf Coast, and Pensacola in their upcoming games. With their eyes set on the top seed in the state tournament, Northwest Florida State Softball continues to showcase their prowess and determination on the diamond.
Stay tuned for more thrilling action from the Raiders as they pursue further success in the postseason.
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