Seventh-seeded North Central Missouri College softball battled through the opening two days of the NJCAA Region 16 Tournament, picking up an elimination-game victory before seeing its postseason run come to an end on Friday. The Pirates opened tournament play on May 7th with a matchup against second-seeded Three Rivers College, falling 10-2 in five innings despite an eight-hit effort. Emma Lisenbee and Myla Laws each collected two hits, while Lisenbee and Kaylor Hodge drove in runs for NCMC. Alex Endicott also added a pair of hits as the Pirates stayed competitive early before Three Rivers used a five-run fourth inning to pull away.
Facing elimination on May 8th, the Pirates responded with a strong offensive performance in a 6-2 win over host State Fair Community College. NCMC exploded for six runs in the second inning and never looked back. Ireland Bloss highlighted the inning with a home run, while Trinity Alderman, Alex Endicott, Reghan Loges, Katie Pierson, and Myla Laws each drove in runs. Endicott and Hodge recorded two hits apiece as the Pirates totaled 11 hits in the victory. Lisenbee delivered a complete-game performance in the circle, allowing just two runs on six hits while striking out four to keep the Pirates alive in the tournament.
North Central's season came to a close later Friday with a 12-4 loss to St. Charles Community College. The Cougars jumped out to an early lead with nine runs over the first two innings, but the Pirates continued to battle throughout the game. Trinity Alderman went 3-for-4 with a double, while Alex Endicott added two hits and an RBI. Ella Barnett provided the biggest offensive spark with a two-run home run, and Ireland Bloss also drove in a run. After entering the tournament as the No. 7 seed, the Pirates showed resilience by fighting through the elimination bracket.
Congratulations to Ireland Bloss (2nd Team Infield) and Kaylor Hodge (2nd Team Utility) for earning All-Region Recognition for their efforts in the 2025-26 season.
The team finished with a record of 13-40.
