NCMC Softball opened their home slate of games on Friday with a sweep of Hawkeye CC 11-2 & 10-9. With the wins, the team's record sits at 4-4 ahead of a road trip on March 5th to Kansas City Kansas CC. This doubleheader will be the final tune-up for NCMC before beginning Region 16 play.
GAME 1:
NCMC erupted for 11 runs on just eight hits to secure an 11-2 victory over Hawkeye Community College in the opener. The Pirates were efficient and aggressive at the plate, capitalizing on six walks and multiple Hawkeye errors to break the game open early. NCMC plated eight runs in the first two innings and never looked back.
Ella Barnett powered the offense with a home run, finishing 1-for-2 with three runs scored and an RBI. Myla Laws delivered a key performance at the top of the order, going 2-for-4 with two RBI and a stolen base. Katie Pierson added a perfect 2-for-2 day at the plate with an RBI and two runs scored, while Chariss Barnard reached base three times, scoring three runs and drawing two walks.
Behind the plate, Kaylor Hodge chipped in an RBI, and Cora Thompson added an RBI while swiping a base. Emma Lisenbee contributed offensively with a sacrifice fly and three walks.
In the circle, Lisenbee was steady, tossing all five innings while allowing just two earned runs on six hits. She worked around three walks and struck out one to earn the win.
GAME 2:
To close out the day, NCMC outlasted Hawkeye in a back-and-forth battle, securing a 10-9 victory behind timely hitting and patience at the plate. North Central made the most of their nine hits and eight walks, capitalizing on key scoring opportunities throughout the contest. Ireland Bloss delivered the biggest swing of the day, launching a home run and driving in four runs to pace the offense. Bloss finished 1-for-2 with two walks and accounted for nearly half of NCMC's RBIs.
Chariss Barnard added extra-base pop with a double and two RBIs, while also executing a sacrifice to move a runner. Reghan Loges provided a spark off the bench with a perfect 2-for-2 performance and an RBI. Katie Pierson chipped in an RBI single, and Myla Laws went 2-for-4 with a walk, an RBI, and two stolen bases to keep pressure on the Hawkeye defense.
The Pirates showed discipline at the plate, drawing eight walks as a team. Alex Endicott reached base three times and scored twice, while Ella Barnett and Skylar Sunderland each worked free passes and crossed the plate.
In the circle, Sunderland started and went five innings, striking out three. Emma Lisenbee closed the final two frames, limiting damage and keeping the Pirates within striking distance as the offense mounted its final comeback.
Despite surrendering 19 hits, NCMC's ability to capitalize on scoring chances and deliver in key moments proved decisive as the Pirates edged Hawkeye to complete the sweep.
