Softball Week 6: Raiders Hold Top Spot in NJCAA Rankings, Host Two Doubleheaders
NICEVILLE, Fla. — The NJCAA released its first regular-season poll Tuesday afternoon, and Northwest Florida State softball remained the nation's top-ranked team following a dominant 24–1 start to the season.
As February winds down, so does the Raiders' non-conference slate. Northwest Florida has just 12 non-conference games remaining, including four contests this week. The stretch begins with a Wednesday doubleheader against Meridian, followed by a Friday twin bill versus Snead.
Who, When, Where
Northwest Florida opens the week Wednesday with a pair of games against Meridian beginning at 2:00 p.m. The Raiders then return to action Friday for a doubleheader against Snead before enjoying a week-long break from competition.
Wednesday, February 25
• 2:00 p.m. — No. 1 Northwest Florida vs. Meridian
• 4:00 p.m. — No. 1 Northwest Florida vs. Meridian
Friday, February 27
• 12:00 p.m. — No. 1 Northwest Florida vs. Snead
• 2:00 p.m. — No. 1 Northwest Florida vs. Snead
Last Week
Despite battling weather throughout the week, the Raiders went a perfect 5–0 against Snow, Louisburg, and Lincoln Trail. Northwest Florida outscored opponents 52–5 over the five-game span.
The week began Thursday with a doubleheader sweep of Snow, followed by a dominant 20–0 win over Louisburg on Friday that featured a combined no-hitter from Savannah Carter and Isabelle Warrick. Carter was outstanding all weekend, tossing 8.0 scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and striking out 11 across three appearances.
On Saturday, the Raiders defeated Louisburg 11–3 before closing the weekend with a 9–0 shutout of Lincoln Trail.
Jaci Gary led Northwest Florida at the plate, batting .571 with eight hits, including six extra-base hits and two home runs, while driving in 13 runs. Haley Hughes continued her strong play as well, collecting eight RBIs on five hits, three of which went for extra bases.
Additional Notes
• Freshman outfielder Jaci Gary was named FCSAA Player of the Week after hitting .571 with eight hits and 13 RBIs. She leads the team in hits (28), home runs (6), and RBIs (37), ranks second nationally in doubles (10) and RBIs, and sits seventh in total bases (56).
• Haley Hughes ranks second on the team in hits (26), home runs (4), and RBIs (27).
• Marlee Parsons leads the pitching staff with a 9–0 record, 50.0 innings pitched, and 53 strikeouts, while owning a 1.54 ERA.
• Savannah Carter paces the Raiders with a team-best 0.894 ERA and ranks second in strikeouts with 48.
• Northwest Florida ranks top five nationally in 14 statistical categories, including first in runs, hits, stolen bases, and pitching shutouts, while sitting second in doubles, RBIs, total bases, and walks.