Indian River Goes 5-0 at NFCA Leadoff Classic

COLUMBUS, GA - Day two of the NFCA Leadoff Classic on Saturday, February 22 saw the Indian River State College softball team continue their dominant run, with a pair of impressive victories. The Pioneers extended their perfect tournament record with a 15-0 victory over Walters State Community College and capped off the day with a hard-fought 5-2 win over Johnson County Cavaliers. With both outstanding pitching performances and explosive offensive showings, Indian River demonstrated why they are one of the top teams in the competition. Here's a look at how the Pioneers secured their victories:

GAME 4

In a dominant performance, Sarah Phipps drove in four runs on two hits to lead Indian River to a 15-0 victory over Walters State Community College. Phipps made an immediate impact in the first inning, launching a grand slam to center field that set the tone for the game. The highlight of the game came in the third inning when the Pioneers exploded for nine runs. Thaima Maximiliana walked to bring in one run, followed by Nyasia Williams, who also drew a walk for another run. Jaci Alvey contributed with a single that scored yet another run. The inning culminated in a grand slam by Presley Smith, further extending the lead, and a steal home added one more run. In the fourth inning, Indian River continued to pile on the runs with two additional scores. Regan Means grounded out to bring in one run, and Taylor Cochran capped off the scoring with a solo home run to center field.

J'dah Girigorie was the winning pitcher for Indian River, allowing just two hits and no runs over three innings while striking out one and walking one. Relief pitchers Hanna Deschambault and Abril Gomez stepped in to prevent any further scoring from Walters State. Overall, the River racked up 13 hits, with Phipps, Shields, and Jordyn Lillis each contributing two hits. Maximiliana led the team with two walks, showcasing their patience at the plate with a total of seven walks in the game. Phipps also showcased her speed, stealing two bases during the matchup.

GAME 5

In a thrilling conclusion to the tournament, J'dah Girigorie delivered a powerful pitching performance that propelled Indian River to a 5-2 victory over the Johnson County Cavaliers. Girigorie was dominant on the mound, striking out an impressive 12 batters while allowing just eight hits and two runs over seven innings, with two walks. The game started with Indian River making their mark in the first inning. Kassidy Pontbriant led the charge by singling to drive in the first run, setting the tone for the offense. Pontbriant and Presley Smith proved to be a formidable duo in the lineup, each contributing two RBIs to the team's total. Hezzy Seabrook was a standout performer at the plate, going three for three with three singles, showcasing his consistency and ability to keep the offense rolling.

The team's aggressive base-running was a highlight of the game, as the Pioneers stole a remarkable 10 bases, with Braylee Shields, Seabrook, and Jaci Alvey each contributing multiple steals. Defensively, Indian River was sharp, not committing a single error throughout the game. This combination of stellar pitching, aggressive base-running, and solid defense allowed the River to secure a well-deserved victory and finish the tournament on a high note.

Overall, The River had an incredible weekend at the NFCA Leadoff Classic, highlighted by Presley Smith being named to the All-Tournament Team. They dominated with a 15-0 victory over 5th-ranked Walters State and posted three shutouts and three run-rule wins. The team outscored opponents 47-3 and stole 40 bases, while committing just one error. On the mound, Hanna Deschambault and Ciara Gendron combined for a no-hitter against Monroe. A truly dominant weekend for Indian River softball.

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Follow Pioneer softball on Instagram and Twitter @irscsoftball