Nighthawks softball splits with Rich Mountain

16 Feb 2022 Nighthawks softball splits with Rich Mountain

Posted at 5:35 PMh in Sports by 501 LIFE

HOT SPRINGS — The National Park College (NPC) Nighthawks softball team (4-7) split its nonconference series with the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain (UA Rich Mountain) on Tuesday, taking game one, 3-0, and dropping a 5-4 decision in game two.

A complete-game gem from freshman pitcher Jadyn Hart (Paris) got the job done for the Nighthawks in game one. Hart allowed zero runs on four hits, striking out eight.

Hart started the scoring in the first inning with an RBI ground out to bring in freshman Emma Hayes (Hot Springs). The Nighthawks plated an additional run in the third inning on a passed ball, while freshman Julie Johnson (Vilonia) capped the scoring with a solo home run in the fourth inning. Sophomore Baley Williams (Alma) led the Nighthawks with two hits in three at bats in the Nighthawks’ fourth win of the season.

UA Rich Mountain rebounded in game two, taking a 5-0 lead after three innings. After NPC freshman starter Kacey Solida (Texarkana) was chased from the game in the second inning, freshman Taylor Snow (Gravette) grabbed the reins, slowing down the Bucks’ offense and allowing the Nighthawks to attempt a comeback.

Behind three solo home runs from Hart and sophomores Madalynn Thompson (Bryant) and Allie Shero (Pflugerville, TX), the Nighthawks chipped away at the deficit. Trailing, 5-4, entering the bottom of the seventh inning, NPC put the potential tying run aboard, but were unable to knock them in, taking their seventh loss of the season.

Hayes led NPC with three hits in four at bats. Solida allowed four runs on four hits in one and two-thirds innings in the loss. Snow allowed one run on two hits in five and one-thirds innings in relief.

The Nighthawks play host to Crowder College in a double header at Hot Springs World Class High School on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 1 and 3 p.m. Game one will be streamed live on the Nighthawk Network.

For more information on schedules, rosters and more, visit Nighthawks softball online. Fans can also follow the Nighthawks all season on social media.