Pirates Top No. 23 Ranked Chipola in Doubleheader Opener

In an exciting doubleheader on Wednesday, Pensacola State College's softball team secured a thrilling victory over the No. 23 ranked Chipola College in the first game. The Pirates showcased their resilience and skill, striking first in the second inning.

Abby McLean set the tone with a leadoff double and was promptly brought home by an Abbie Morris single up the middle. The Pirates added a crucial insurance run in the fifth inning when Katelyn Morgan doubled and scored on a hit by Morgan Maples.

Chipola made a valiant effort to come back in the seventh inning. After a leadoff walk and a successful bunt to second, the runner scored on a single. The tension peaked when the next batter drove a ball into the gap, but centerfielder Abbie Morris made a spectacular diving catch to prevent the tying run from scoring, securing the Pirates' victory.

Yala Zwakman was outstanding on the mound, earning the win with a complete game, allowing only four hits.

In the second game, Chipola took an early lead, holding an 8-1 advantage going into the seventh inning. Pensacola State fought back, scoring four runs, highlighted by a bases-clearing triple from Morgan Maples. Despite the late rally, Chipola held on for the win. Maples went 2-for-4 with three RBI in the game, while Kayleigh Cuccia was 1-for-1 with two walks and two runs scored.

Pensacola State will next travel to face the No. 2 ranked Northwest Florida Raiders on Saturday, with games scheduled for 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.

Photo courtesy: Jennifer Hendrix