Raiders Open 2026 with Pair of Wins Over Parkland, Polk State

NICEVILLE, Fla. — No. 1 Northwest Florida State softball opened the 2026 season in dominant fashion Friday, sweeping a doubleheader against Parkland and Polk State at the Raider Softball Complex. The Raiders combined strong pitching with timely offense, earning a 9–1 win over Parkland in the opener before closing the day with a 6–1 victory against Polk State.

Northwest Florida's pitching staff set the tone early, as four pitchers combined to throw 12.2 innings on the day, allowing just two runs on seven hits while striking out 17 and issuing only five walks. The Raiders' offense matched that efficiency, scoring nine runs in game one and six more in game two.

Mallory Baker delivered a standout performance in both games. The sophomore utility player earned the win in the opener, tossing 5.0 innings and allowing just one run while striking out seven. At the plate, Baker led the team with four hits on the day and drove in two runs.

Julie Stevens paced the Raiders offensively with three RBIs, while Bre Hughes and Allison Farnsworth each homered on the day. Farnsworth provided the highlight of game one, blasting a two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth to secure a walk-off win for Northwest Florida.

Game One: Northwest Florida 9, Parkland 1

The Raiders opened the scoring in the bottom of the second inning as Karson McGowan singled down the right-field line and Jaci Gary reached on a fielder's choice, with both runners eventually crossing the plate.

Northwest Florida added three more runs in the third, capitalizing on Parkland miscues and timely hitting. Falyn Beebe and Julie Stevens each grounded into fielder's choices that plated runs, while Gary delivered an RBI single to right field to extend the lead.

The Raiders put the game away in the sixth when Farnsworth launched a two-run homer to center field on an 0–2 count, sealing the 9–1 victory.

Mallory Baker earned the win in the circle, allowing three hits and one run over five innings. Savannah Carter pitched a clean inning in relief, striking out two. Parkland's Fearday took the loss after surrendering seven runs, five earned, over five innings.

Farnsworth led the Raiders with two RBIs, while Bre Hughes, Farnsworth, Gary, McGowan, Baker, AJ Vineski, and Beebe each recorded a hit. Northwest Florida was aggressive on the base paths, stealing seven bases, and played flawless defense without committing an error.

Game Two: Northwest Florida 6, Polk State 1

Northwest Florida struck early in the nightcap, as Hughes doubled in the first inning to drive in the game's opening run. Polk State answered in the top of the second to briefly tie the game, but the Raiders quickly regained control.

In the third inning, Baker doubled to score the go-ahead run before Julie Stevens followed with an RBI single to push the lead to 4–1. Bre Hughes added the exclamation point in the fourth, launching a two-run homer to left field.

Issabelle Warrick started in the circle for the Raiders, allowing one run over two innings. Marlee Parsons was dominant in relief, tossing 4.2 scoreless innings while striking out six without issuing a walk.

The Raiders finished the game with 11 hits, led by Baker's 3-for-4 performance at the plate. Hughes and Stevens each drove in two runs, while Gary added two hits. Northwest Florida once again played error-free defense.

Up Next

The Raiders will be back tomorrow to close out their opening weekend of games starting at 10:00 a.m. against Polk State followed by a 3:00 p.m. game against Parkland.