OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – For the first time since April 30, 2022, the Johnson County Community College softball team was swept by a Kansas Jayhawk Conference opponent. No. 17-ranked Neosho County Community College Panthers spoiled a JCCC Staff Appreciation Day at the park defeating the 21st ranked Cavaliers 5-1 and 11-10. The last time Neosho County swept a doubleheader against JCCC was March 11, 2003, 22 years ago.
With the sweep, the Panthers (27-11/15-1) took over sole possession of first place in the KJCCC D-II standings, while Johnson County (26-15/13-5) fell to fourth. The Cavaliers have two conference doubleheaders remaining before the postseason begins. The travel to Iola, Kan., on Saturday, April 26 to take on Allen Community College, then close out the regular season at home against Hesston College on Thursday, May 1.
Johnson County struggled to get their offense on track in the opener, scattering five hits over seven innings.
Sophomore shortstop Izzy Carter was the only bright spot in JCCC's order, going 3-for-4 highlighted by an RBI double in the fourth. DP Lily Hans doubled ahead of Carter and scored JCCC only run of the game.
Right-hander Elsa Carrillo took the loss for JCCC. She allowed five runs, all earned, off six hits, walked six batters and struck out three.
The second game looked like was headed to a run-rule stoppage after the Panthers plated eight runs in the top of the first inning, but JCCC chipped away at their deficit and exploded for five runs in the bottom of the seventh, falling one shy of extending the game.
Sophomore second baseman Jaylee Jefferson hit a solo home run, a double, walked twice, scored twice and drove in five runs. Hans also drew two walks, scored and drove in two to pace JCCC's offensive attack.