Raiders Blank Polk State and Parkland to Close Out Opening Weekend

NICEVILLE, Fla. — No. 1 Northwest Florida State softball capped a dominant opening weekend Saturday with a pair of shutout victories, defeating Polk State 4–0 and Parkland 8–0 in five innings.

The Raiders' pitching staff was outstanding in both games. Mallory Baker and Savannah Carter combined to hold Polk State scoreless in the opener, while Parsons tossed a complete-game shutout against Parkland in the nightcap.

Northwest Florida's offense was led by Haley Hughes, who recorded four hits on the day, including three in the win over Polk State. Allison Farnsworth, Falyn Beebe, and Izzy Warrick each drove in two runs, with Farnsworth blasting the lone home run of the day—her second in as many games.

Game One: NWF 4, Polk State 0

The Raiders broke through in the bottom of the third inning when Beebe singled home two runs and an additional run scored on an error.

Baker earned the win after allowing four hits and no runs over 4.2 innings, striking out one and issuing no walks. Carter was dominant in relief, throwing 2.1 scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and striking out four. Polk State's Peterson took the loss after surrendering three runs (two earned) over 3.1 innings.

Beebe led the Raiders with two RBIs, while Hughes went 3-for-4 to pace the team in hits. Northwest Florida played flawless defense, committing no errors. Beebe recorded a team-high six putouts in right field.

Game Two: NWF 8, Parkland 0 (5 innings)

Northwest Florida opened the scoring in the second inning as Griggs doubled, Warrick singled, and Hughes drove in a run on a groundout.

The Raiders added to their lead in the third when Farnsworth crushed a two-run home run to left field, setting the tone for a run-rule victory.

Parsons was in complete control in the circle, allowing three hits and no runs over five innings while striking out four. Parkland starter Bates was tagged for five runs (four earned) in 2.2 innings.

Warrick and Griggs each collected two hits, while Farnsworth and Warrick drove in two runs apiece. The Raiders showed patience at the plate with four walks, including two by Tretau, and added pressure on the bases with three stolen bases—two from Warrick.