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No. 2 Northwest Florida Opens Conference Play Wednesday at Tallahassee
Posted: Mar 11, 2025

No. 2 Northwest Florida Opens Conference Play Wednesday at Tallahassee

 

NICEVILLE, Fla. — With the arrival of spring comes another thrilling season of Panhandle Conference softball. The No. 2-ranked Northwest Florida State softball is set to open conference play this week with four games, starting with a double header at Tallahassee State Wednesday (Mar. 12) at 3:00 p.m., followed by a home doubleheader this Saturday (Mar. 15) at 1:00 p.m.

After claiming back-to-back Panhandle Conference Championships, the Raiders are aiming for a historic three-peat. Last season, they posted a 19-1 record in conference play, securing the No. 1 overall seed in the FCSAA State Softball Tournament. After a runner up finish, the Raiders would end up earning another spot in the NJCAA Softball World Series where they would make it all the way to the final four, closing with a historic 58-win season, setting a new program record.

This year, the Raiders are on a mission to return to Clearwater and secure their first ever FCSAA State Championship in hopes to get back to the World Series and earn their first National Championship—something they came so close to doing two seasons ago.

 

Strong Start to the Season

Northwest Florida State heads into conference play with a dominant 34-2 record in non-conference action. Their early-season success has earned them the No. 2 spot in the latest NJCAA rankings, maintaining their position from previous weeks.

The Raiders' only two losses came against powerhouse programs—Jones College, currently ranked No. 1 in the NJCAA DII poll, and LSU-Eunice, led by former Raiders head coach Andy Lee, who won six national championships during his tenure there.

Since their last loss, the Raiders have been unstoppable, riding an 18-game winning streak while maintaining a perfect 23-0 record at home.

 

Offensive Firepower

The Raiders' bats have been on fire, ranking among the top five nationally in numerous categories:

  • Runs: 357 (2nd)
  • Hits: 371 (1st)
  • Doubles: 80 (1st)
  • Triples: 16 (4th)
  • Home Runs: 46 (2nd)
  • RBI: 318 (2nd)
  • Extra Base Hits: 142 (1st)
  • Total bases: 621 (1st)
  • Walks: 156 (1st)
  • Batting Average: .409 (3rd)
  • On-Base Percentage: .502 (3rd)
  • Slugging Percentage: .684 (3rd)
  • ERA: 1.43 (4th)
  • Shutouts: 11(1st)
  • Batting Avg. Against: .193 (3rd)

Several Raiders have been standout performers at the plate, including Hailey Henry, who leads the team in RBIs (32), home runs (11), and walks (28). Right alongside her is 2024 All-American Sister Arnold, who ranks first in hits (41) and is tied with Henry for the team lead in walks. Six Raiders currently hold batting averages above .400, with Lulu Luedtke leading the way at .507—ranking 27th in the nation.

 

Dominant Pitching Staff

The Raiders' pitching staff has been just as stellar, boasting an impressive 1.43 ERA (4th in the nation), 11 shutouts (1st), and a .193 opponent batting average.

Leading the charge are 2024 All-American Cailyn Heyl and freshman standout Mallory Baker, both posting nearly identical ERAs—Heyl at 0.96 and Baker at 0.97. The duo has combined for 135 strikeouts, with Baker edging Heyl by five (70 to 65).

The Raiders have also leaned on Breana Barnes and AJ Vineski in key situations. Barnes, a returning arm from last season, carries a 3.97 ERA with 20 strikeouts, while Vineski has been dominant with a 1.70 ERA and 21 strikeouts.