Northwest Florida Clinches Postseason Berth with Saturday Sweep of Tallahassee

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — For the fourth consecutive season, Northwest Florida State softball is headed back to the postseason. The Raiders secured their spot in the FCSAA Softball Championships with a dominant doubleheader sweep of Tallahassee on Saturday, winning 13-1 and 17-1.

With the victories, Northwest Florida returns to Clearwater in pursuit of its first FCSAA title and another trip to the NJCAA World Series in Oxford, Ala., where the Raiders will look to defend their national championship.

Northwest Florida controlled every aspect of Saturday's games, combining for 30 runs on 28 hits while limiting Tallahassee to just two runs on six hits across both contests. The pitching trio of Savannah Carter, Mallory Baker, and Marlee Parsons led the way in the circle, allowing just one earned run while striking out seven.

At the plate, Karson McGowan continued her standout season, driving in three runs in each game to push her team-leading RBI total to 60. Baker also turned in a perfect performance in game one, going 4-for-4 to highlight her all-around impact.

Game One: Northwest Florida 13, Tallahassee 1
Mallory Baker paced the Raiders offensively with four hits in four at-bats as Northwest Florida rolled to a run-rule victory.

The game broke open in the second inning when the Raiders erupted for nine runs. Julie Stevens got things started with an RBI single, followed by a bases-loaded walk from Bre Hughes. McGowan added to the rally with an RBI fielder's choice before Carter delivered a two-run single. Nyla Tretau and Haley Hughes each followed with two-run singles to cap the inning.

Carter earned the win in the circle, allowing just two hits and one unearned run over four innings while striking out four. Parsons added a scoreless inning in relief.

Northwest Florida totaled 18 hits in the game, with multiple-hit performances from Carter, Hughes, Tretau, Stevens, and Anna Grace Griggs. McGowan led the team with three RBIs, while Baker added two stolen bases as part of a four-steal effort.

Game Two: Northwest Florida 17, Tallahassee 1
The Raiders carried their offensive momentum into game two, putting the game out of reach with a 10-run second inning.

The rally featured contributions throughout the lineup, including a three-run single from McGowan, RBI hits from Carter, Jaci Gary, and Baker, and a two-run single from Stevens. Northwest Florida added four more runs in the third inning, highlighted by a two-run home run from Hailey Henry.

Baker earned the win in the circle, allowing one run on two hits over three innings. Parsons again provided steady relief, tossing two scoreless innings.

Carter and McGowan each recorded two hits in the game, with McGowan driving in three more runs. The Raiders showed patience at the plate with six walks and played clean defense, committing no errors.