Three-Run Sixth Lifts Raiders Past Iowa Western in World Series Opener

OXFORD, Ala. — Northwest Florida State softball opened its 2026 NJCAA Division I Softball World Series run with a 4-1 victory over No. 15 seed Iowa Western on Tuesday afternoon at Choccolocco Park.

The Raiders struck first in the opening inning when Haley Hughes delivered a bases-loaded single to plate the game's first run. That would remain the only offense on either side through the next five innings as both pitching staffs settled in.

Play was briefly suspended in the sixth inning due to rain, and Iowa Western came out of the delay with momentum. Back-to-back triples from Briannah Kutschkau and Kiana LeDoux tied the game at 1-1, marking the Reivers' first run of the afternoon.

Northwest Florida answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning.

Karson McGowan sparked the rally with a leadoff single before Nyla Tretau ripped an RBI double to center field to reclaim the lead. Moments later, Jaci Gary added another RBI double to extend the advantage, and a wild pitch later brought home the Raiders' third run of the inning.

Savannah Carter closed things out in the seventh to secure Northwest Florida's sixth consecutive World Series victory. Carter earned her 22nd win of the season after tossing 4.1 scoreless innings, allowing four hits while striking out five. Marlee Parsons also played a key role in the circle, throwing 2.1 innings and allowing just one run on three hits.

McGowan paced the offense with a perfect 3-for-3 performance at the plate, while Tretau, Gary, and Hughes each drove in runs. Defensively, both teams were flawless, combining for zero errors in the contest.

With the win, Northwest Florida advances to face Paris College on Wednesday, May 27, at 3:45 p.m. from the Signature Field at Choccolocco Park.