OXFORD, Ala. – Johnson County Community College's remarkable journey in the NJCAA Division II World Series concluded Thursday night with an 18-8 loss to Murray State College, ending the Cavaliers' 2025 season.

Despite the setback, JCCC finished with a strong showing, posting a 3-2 record in the tournament and earning a share of fifth place nationally. All three of the Cavaliers' wins came by a single run, including two dramatic walk-off victories that highlighted their resilience and competitive spirit.

Murray State proved too much in the elimination game, scoring in every inning, including two explosive six-run frames. The Cavaliers faced an 18-1 deficit entering the bottom of the fifth inning but responded with a seven-run rally to reduce the final margin. The 18 runs surrendered marked a program high for JCCC in its 81-game NJCAA World Series history, and the 10-run loss tied for the second-widest margin.

Sophomore first baseman Aspen Burgardt, the 2024 NJCAA D-II Player of the Year, led the offensive effort with a 3-for-3 performance that included a triple, two runs scored, and an RBI. Freshman outfielder Katie Kolarik contributed a double, a walk, and two RBI, while freshman catcher Maddie Murray delivered a two-run single. Sophomore shortstop Izzy Carter added two hits, a run, and an RBI, and freshman outfielder Janelle Lange chipped in an RBI single and scored once.

Murray State collected 18 hits in the contest, highlighted by grand slams from Cady Ammons in the second inning and Kaylee Carter in the fifth.

Johnson County concludes its season with an impressive 37-17 overall record, marking another successful campaign for the Cavaliers on the national stage.