Yuma Action Heats Up: NJCAA DI Softball World Series Recaps
The NJCAA Division I softball tournament began on Monday, May 19 with 20 premiere teams from across the country competing for a national title in Yuma, Arizona.
Monday May 19 Opening Round Game Recaps
Crowder CC (4); McCook CC (2)
The first game of the tournament saw No. 16 McCook Community College fall 4-2 to No. 17 Crowder Community College. The Crowder Roughriders scored three runs in the first inning with two outs to take an early lead. Crowder would tack on another run in the third inning off an error and sacrifice fly. Crowder outhit MCC nine to two in the contest.
Navarro (5); College at Southern Idaho (1)
In the second game of the day, No. 20 Navarro defeated No. 13 College of Southern Idaho, 5-1. The Bulldogs outhit the Golden Eagles 11 to three, while Southern Idaho's defense committed two costly errors. Bailey Sales took the win for the Bulldogs on the mound striking out an impressive nine batters but gave up six walks and three hits.
Rose State (3); Lake Land (1)- Eight Innings
No. 18 Rose State College secured a 3–1 victory over No. 15 Lake Land College in eight innings. The game was a contested pitchers' duel, but Rose State broke a scoreless tie in the fifth inning. Madalynn Belle McFarland led the Raiders offense with a 3-for-4 performance, including a double and an RBI. On the mound for Rose State Keylee Beckwith delivered a strong performance, allowing only one run on three hits, while striking out four batters.
Southern Union State (4); Arizona Western (0)
No. 14 Southern Union State Community College defeated the Yuma hometown team No. 19 Arizona Western College 4–0, as the Bison scored in four consecutive innings to secure the victory. Bison short stop Morgan Martin led the offense with a 2-for-3 performance. On the mound, Makinley Turner threw a complete game shutout, allowing only one hit and striking out one batter.
Butler (3); Paris (0)
No. 9 Butler Community College dominated No. 8 Paris Community College 3-0 on the back of sophomore pitcher Madison Randall who delivered a dominant performance. Randall tossed a complete-game shutout and allowed four hits, five walks, while striking out two batters. The Butler Grizzlies capitalized on early opportunities, scoring two runs in the first inning and adding one more run in the second.
Chipola (2); Chattanooga State (0)
No. 12 Chipola College held No. 5 Chattanooga State in a 2-0 victory. The Lady Indians broke through in the fourth inning when left fielder Hannah Capps roped a two-run double to provide the game's only runs. For Chipola, Anyela Gomez dominated in the circle, pitching a complete-game shutout while allowing just two hits, walking one, and striking out three batters.
Gaston (6); Trinity Valley (2)
No. 7 Gaston College solidified a 4–0 victory over No. 10 Trinity Valley Community College highlighted by a dominant performance from Rhinos pitcher Kristyn Ezzo who went the distance giving up eight hits, two earned runs, and stiking out six. Offensively, Gaston capitalized on timely hitting, scoring four runs in the fourth and two more in the fifth inning as shortstop Katelyn Brandon and third baseman Savanna Price led the charge.
Interestingly, Gaston is coached by Mike Steuerwald who previously coached the Chicago Bandits and Scrap Yard Dawgs in the National Professional Fastpitch (NPF) including pitching legends Jennie Finch and Monica Abbott. Additionally, Steuerwald was a Team USA assistant coach having coached 22 Olympians at the Tokyo Olympics.
Odessa College (6); Wallace State (2)
No. 6 Odessa College defeated No. 11 Wallace State Community College-6–2. Odessa took an early lead in the first inning and extended it with a four-run fifth inning, highlighted by a three-run home run from designated player Mason Barclay. Shelby Navarrete added a solo home run in the sixth inning as well. Odessa pitcher Haydn Milley earned the win, allowing two runs on five hits with nine strikeouts.
Tuesday, May 20 Second Round Recaps
Florida Southwestern State (11); Crowder (8)
No. 1 Florida Southwestern State College opened up their tournament play as they escaped No. 17 Crowder College 11–8. Florida Southwestern trailed 6–0 after a robust first inning for Crowder but in the bottom of the fourth inning, the Buccaneers mounted a comeback. Florida Southwestern scored five runs highlighted by a three-run home run from catcher Faith Wharton. Second baseman Kmari Williams followed Wharton with an in the park home run and the Buccaneers tacked on one additional run before Crowder got out of the inning up two runs, 7-5.
Crowder College rallied with one run in the top of the sixth but Florida Southwestern's offense would answer with six runs putting the Buccaneers on top 11-8. In the offensive duel, Florida Southwestern was led by Wharton, who went 3-for-3 with three RBIs and Crowder College was paced by Taylor Lundien, who went 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs.
Navarro (2); Grayson (0)
No. 20 Navarro shut out No. 4 Grayson, 2-0 with a shutout, two hit and nine strikeout performance from Bulldog pitcher Baylee Sales. Navarro accumulate eight hits on the day and their two runs came in the second inning off a double from third baseman Katelynn Cooper. Grayson pitcher Delilah Robles took the loss with two earned runs on six hits and striking out three Bulldogs.
Rose State (6); McLennan (4)
No. 18 Rose State College secured a 6–4 victory over No. 2 McLennan Community College. The Rose State Raiders broke through a scoreless game with a five-run fourth inning. McLennan rallied in the bottom of the fourth scoring three runs and a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth inning from designated player MJ Nicholson pulled the Highlanders within one run. Rose State responded with two insurance runs in the seventh, including a key RBI single from right fielder Brooklyn Langford to win, 6-4.
Northwest Florida State (2); Southern Union State (0)
No. 3 Northwest Florida State College edged out No. 14 Southern Union State 2–0 as the Bison offense was stifled by Northwest Florida's pitching. The Bison only managed five hits and left five runners on base. Defensively, Southern Union committed two errors, allowing the Raiders to capitalize on scoring opportunities, enough for the win.
Tuesday May 20 Eliminations
On Tuesday afternoon No. 4 Grayson eliminated the host school, No. 19 Arizona Western in six innings, which booted the Matadors from the tournament, 8-0.
No. 17 Crowder hung on to defeat No. 15 Lake Land, 6-5 and No. 16 McCook upset No. 2 McLennan 11-6.
In the final game of Tuesday night, No. 14 Southern Utah State eliminated No. 13 College of Southern Idaho, 5-1.
Wednesday, May 21 Morning Eliminations
More elimination games started Wednesday morning as No. 17 Crowder CC removed No. 5 Chattanooga State from the tournament, 2-1. No. 4 Grayson continued their dominance in the tournament as they defeated No. 8 Paris, 7-5.
No. 16 McCook removed No. 10 Trinity Valley from competition, 8-3 and No. 11 Wallace State exited No. 14 Southern Utah State, 6-2.
Wednesday, May 21 Winner's Bracket Play
Chipola (4); Navarro (3)
No. 12 Chipola College secured a 4–3 victory over No. 20 Navarro College. Navarro took an early lead in the first inning, but Chipola responded with two runs in both the second and third innings. The four runs would be enough to win, even as Navarro added two more runs in the fifth. Chipola's offense was led by Irene Rabasco, who went 1-for-2 with two RBIs.
Northwest Florida State (5); Odessa (4)
No. 3 Northwest Florida State softball mounted a comeback that stunned No. 6 Odessa College, scoring five unanswered runs in the final two innings to walk it off, 5-4, on a clutch single by right fielder Falyn Beebe.
Gaston College (11); Rose State (1)-Five Innings
No. 7 Gaston College Rhinos crushed No. 18 Rose State in five innings by mercy rule, 11-1. The Rhinos were led by Grace Kealy who went 2-for-3 on the day with a home run and three RBIs, as well as Kendall Gradshaw who notched a double and four RBIs. Rhino pitcher Kristyn Ezzo threw all five innings with one earned run on four hits, two walks, and two strikeouts.
Wednesday, May 21 Evening Eliminations
No. 10 Wallace State ended the Cinderella story of No. 20 Navarro 10-1 and No. 16 McCook removed No. 9 Butler from the World Series, 6-3.
In the final two games of Wednesday, No. 4 Grayson blanked No. 6 Odessa, 6-0 while No. 4 Crowder held on and defeated No. 18 Rose State, 4-1.
Thursday, May 22 Recaps
Wallace State (11); McCook (2)
No. 16 McCook saw their season come to an end after being defeated in five innings by No. 11 Wallace State, 10-2. Wallace State's offense scored three runs in the second, four in the third, one in the fourth, and their final five in the fifth inning. The Wallace State Lions were led by right fielder Blakelyn Austin who went 3-for-3 on the day including a two-run home run and three RBIs, along with left fielder Ashlyn Burns who contributed another home-run and went 1-for 2 with three RBIs.
Wallace State's pitcher Madeline Howard pitched all five innings for the Lions and gave up two earned runs on four hits with six strikeouts, one walk and allowed one home run by McCook' second baseman Audrey Reeves in the fifth inning.
Crowder College (5); Grayson (3)
No. 17 Crowder College pushed past No. 4 Grayson CC, 5-3 which eliminated the Vikings. Crowder started scoring early after they tacked on four runs in the second inning, and unfortunately two runs were unearned off a costly error by Grayson third baseman Daeya Moses. Crowder responded with a two run home run off the bat of designated player Jaclyn Draeger. Crowder responded again in the top of the fourth inning, but a dagger home run in the bottom of the seventh by first baseman Sophia Jenkins called game.
Florida Southwestern State (9); Chipola College (3)
No. 1 overall seed Florida Southwestern State pitcher Lizzy Kwakernaak threw a one-hitter despite giving up three runs over seven innings with two walks, two strikeouts, and the single hit given up was a home-run to Anyela Gomez-Ruiz in the sixth inning. However, the Buccaneers offense showed up and out as they scored seven runs in the second inning, one in third and one in the sixth for the 9-3 win. Southwestern was led by center fielder Noelani Livingstone and third baseman Emily Allegood who both went 2-for-3 with a combined three RBIs.
Nothwest Florida State (6); Gaston College (2)
In the third matchup Thursday, No. 3 Northwest Florida State outlasted No. 7 Gaston College, 6-2. Gaston jumped out to an early lead as they scored in the first inning, but Northwest Florida State answered in the bottom of the first inning. The Raiders added two runs in the second, and an additional three in the third inning which would be enough for the win. Raiders short stop Bre Hughes went 2-for 3 on the day with the game's only triple.
Wallace State (4); Chipola (3)
In a tightly contested matchup No. 11Wallace State Lions edged out No. 12 Chipola Indians 4–3 to stay alive in the tournament. Wallace State took an early 1–0 lead in the first inning, and Chipola responded with a run in the fourth and two more in the seventh, but the Lions held on for the victory. Short stop Brandy Phillips and first baseman Charli Kyser each drove in a run for the Lions, while second baseman Kaelyn Jones contributed three hits and two runs scored.
Gaston (8); Crowder (6)
No. 7 Gaston College secured an 8–6 victory over No. 17 Crowder College which kept their post season run and dreams alive. Crowder jumped out early with a three run lead in the first inning. The Rhinos capitalized on a seven-run second inning, highlighted by five different players racking up singles.
Crowder added two more in the fourth, including a two-run double by first baseman Jasmine Myers. However, the Roughriders' rally fell short despite multiple scoring opportunities. Pitcher Kristyn Ezzo earned the win for Gaston, while Crowder's Aubree Saporito took the loss.
Yesterday was a late night, but with a win over Crowder (8-6), we're in the final four and back to play tonight! 🦏💪
— Gaston College Softball (@GCRhinosSB) May 23, 2025
Gaston 🆚 Wallace State
🗓️ Friday, May 23
⏰ 6:30 p.m. (EDT)
📍 Yuma, AZ
📺 ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/u5oSwfRGNX
Friday, May 23 Semi-Final Play
Northwest Florida State (3); Florida Southwestern State (1)
In the last four standing, No. 3 Northwest Florida State College secured a 3–1 victory over No. 1 Florida Southwestern State College, advancing to the championship game. The Raiders took an early lead with a home-run in the first inning off the bat of Karson McGowan, followed by a second home run in the second inning from Bre Hughes. Northwest Florida scored a second run in the second inning to go up 3-0. Florida Southwestern's lone run came in the third inning, driven in by a double from Nicole Edmiaston. Northwest Florida's Cailyn Heyl pitched a complete game, allowing just one run on six hits, three strikeouts, and four walks.
🚨 The Raiders are title game bound
— NJCAA Softball (@NJCAASoftball) May 23, 2025
Northwest Florida State defeats top-seeded Florida Southwestern 3-1 and will play on Championship Saturday for the 2025 #NJCAASoftball DI World Series National Championship!https://t.co/JZIlZTas6w pic.twitter.com/7s8RFFBOsS
Wallace State (11); Gaston (3) -Elimination Game
No. 11 Wallace State eliminated Gaston College 11–3, which ended the Rhinos' historic season where the finished the highest by any Region 10 Division I softball team in over two decades. Wallace State capitalized on seven Gaston errors, scoring six unearned runs. The Lions' Brandy Phillips earned the win, while Gaston's Kristyn Ezzo took the loss.
Wallace State on a Roll🦁‼️
— NJCAA Network (@NJCAANetwork) May 24, 2025
The Cinderella story lives on as Wallace State gets set to take on #1-ranked Florida SouthWestern! Don’t miss the action!🥎 @WallaceStSB
📺 Watch live on ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/UkDUovWZxi
Florida Southwestern State (11); Wallace State (2)-Five Innings-Elimination Game
In the final elimination game on Friday, May 23, Florida Southwestern State College overpowered Wallace State 11–2. The Buccaneers took an early lead, scoring four runs in the first inning, highlighted by a two-run single. They continued to build to their lead and added seven more runs in the second and third innings.
Wallace State managed to break through in the fourth inning with back-to-back two-out hits, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Buccaneers' lead. Florida Southwestern pitcher, Leah Meyer, earned the win giving up two runs, four hits, and six strikeouts.
Saturday, May 24-National Championship Match-Up Between Northwest Florida State and Florida Southwestern State at 4 PM EST
🏆 Only ✌️ teams remain@NWFRaiders will take on @FSWBucs for the 2025 #NJCAASoftball DI World Series Crown!
— NJCAA Softball (@NJCAASoftball) May 24, 2025
Which Region 8 team becomes 𝑻𝑯𝑬 National Champion?https://t.co/JZIlZTas6w pic.twitter.com/g9m6KIdtxh
Allison Smith is an expert in leadership and organizational behavior in collegiate and professional women’s sports. Smith is a professor (Georgia State University), researcher, and writer. Smith holds a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee in Kinesiology and Sport Studies. Smith’s research centers on combatting the underrepresentation of women leaders in sport, lack of organizational structure for work life integration for sport employees, and lack of programming and oversight for preparing athletes to transition to life after sport. Since graduating with a bachelor’s in journalism in 2011, Smith has sought opportunities to write about sports as a contributing writer focused on the growth of women’s collegiate, Olympic, and professional sports in this new age and movement for multiple outlets including Athletic Director U, and now Forbes.com. As a former Division I and II pitcher and Division III pitching coach Smith will bring unique insight and expertise to Softball on SI.
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