By Heather Johnson-MPCC
Columbus, Neb. - The North Platte Community College Knights Softball Team split a doubleheader against the Central Community College Raiders Saturday in a “best of three” Region IX Championship series. The teams will now face-off Sunday at noon in a tie-breaking, winner-take-all battle.
The Knights fell to the Raiders 9-1 in the first game Saturday, despite out-hitting Central five to three.
Kyleigh Sullivan, of Fort Worth, Texas, was in the circle for the Knights. She surrendered nine runs on three hits over five and two-thirds innings, striking out 10.
Ashlyn Wheeling, of Thornton, Colo., went 2-for-3 at the plate, to lead North Platte in hits.
The Knights fought back in the second game, beating the Raiders 6-2. North Platte got its offense started in the second inning when Wheeling drew a walk, scoring one run.
The game was tied in the bottom of the third inning, and by the fourth inning, the Knights pulled away for good with three runs. Madisyn Hamar, of Chadron, singled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring one run. An error then scored two more runs for North Platte.
Nevaeh Ramirez, of Thornton, Colo., was on the rubber. Ramirez allowed three hits and two runs over seven innings, striking out seven.
Essence McRae, of Las Vegas, Nev., went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead the Knights in hits.
“The first game, we were playing not to lose, and when you do that, you get beat,” said NPCC Knights head softball coach Janelle Higgins. “Coming back and winning game two to force game three shows the heart of these young ladies. I am proud of how hard they fought in game two.”
A livestream of the third game will be available at: northplattepost.com. The winner will advance to the district finals.