
OXFORD, Ala. – For the second straight game, the Johnson County Community College softball team delivered walk-off drama on the national stage. The Cavaliers edged Iowa Central 3-2 in 10 innings Thursday afternoon at Choccolocco Park, keeping their NJCAA Division II World Series hopes alive.
With the game tied at two apiece in the bottom of the 10th, Johnson County capitalized on a defensive miscue to push across the winning run. Freshman outfielder Katie Kolarik started the rally with a one-out single to left field. Pinch runner Makenzie Yoder replaced her and advanced to second on a groundout by pinch hitter Kamden Evans. After sophomore shortstop Izzy Carter worked a two-out walk, sophomore second baseman Jaylee Jefferson hit a ball to shortstop that was misplayed, allowing Yoder to race home from second with the winning unearned run.
It marked the Cavaliers' second consecutive walk-off win at the World Series and their third walk-off victory of the postseason, showcasing the team's poise under pressure. With the win, Johnson County improved to 37-16 on the season and continues its pursuit of a national title.
Iowa Central got on the board first, scoring single runs in both the top of the fourth and fifth innings.
Johnson County managed to tie the game at 2-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning. Freshman outfielder Janelle Lang, the hero in last night's walk-off win over Phoenix, worked a bases loaded walk to bring home freshman outfielder Haley Bryant to pull with one of the Tritons, then Carter followed with a single to left field to score DP Lily Hans from third base.
Jalin Lavers was masterful in the circle for the second consecutive game. The sophomore right-hander allowed seven hits, just two runs, one earned while striking out nine batters over her 10 innings of work. With the victory, Lavers improves to 18-6 on the season and upped her career strikeout total to two shy of 200.
Johnson County will return the diamond tonight at 8 p.m. and will face either Jones or Murray State.