Florence, SC – The P&HCC Patriots traveled to Florence-Darlington Technical College on Sunday for an exciting softball doubleheader, coming away with a dominant win in Game 1 before falling in a tightly contested extra-inning battle in Game 2. The Patriots showcased strong pitching, timely hitting, and aggressive baserunning throughout both matchups.

Game 1: P&HCC Patriots Breeze Past Florence-Darlington Tech College

The P&HCC Patriots opened the day with a commanding 6-0 victory over Florence-Darlington Tech College. A third-inning RBI single by Rachael Gooch started the scoring before Makalah Wiggins delivered the biggest blow of the game with a three-run home run to center field in the fifth inning.

Kayla Bartley was stellar in the circle for P&HCC, tossing a complete-game shutout. She allowed only three hits while striking out four and walking none. Florence-Darlington Tech's starter, Savannah Sherman, pitched all seven innings, surrendering six runs on 10 hits while issuing three walks.

The Patriots' offense was led by Wiggins, who drove in three runs with her homer. Laila Rodriguez was perfect at the plate, going 3-for-3 and swiping four bases. Gooch contributed with a 2-for-3 performance. Overall, P&HCC stole eight bases and played error-free defense, with Rodriguez leading the way with seven chances in the field.

Florence-Darlington Tech managed three hits.

Game 2: P&HCC Patriots Fall to Florence-Darlington Tech College on Walk-Off

Game 2 proved to be a dramatic contest as P&HCC fell in extra innings, 2-1, on a walk-off fielder's choice in the bottom of the eighth inning.

P&HCC struck first in the second inning when Hannah Haynes launched a solo home run to left field. The lead held until the bottom of the sixth, when Florence-Darlington Tech's Larissa Siders delivered an RBI single up the middle to tie the game.

Abby Epperson started in the circle for the Patriots, delivering an impressive performance. She pitched 7.2 innings, allowing just one earned run on six hits while striking out five. Florence-Darlington Tech's pitching was equally effective, going the full eight innings while allowing just two hits and striking out eight.

Haynes and Rodriguez each recorded a hit for P&HCC, and the team continued its aggressive baserunning with four stolen bases.

Florence-Darlington Tech's leadoff hitter, Larissa Siders, led their offense with a 3-for-4 performance. Defensively, they played another error-free game and turned a crucial double play.

The P&HCC Patriots will now turn their attention to their next matchups at the JUCO Showdown at Panama City, Florida. They will face Andrew College at 3:00pm on Friday, February 7 followed by a 6:30pm game against St. Johns River State College at 6:30pm.