The Niceville High School Eagles varsity softball team secured an 8-2 win over Winter Springs in the quarterfinals of the 2024 FHSAA Softball State Championships – 6A FHSAA Softball tournament on Thursday.
- The Eagles’ dominant performance on their home field earned them a spot in the regional semifinals, where they will take on Pace on May 14.
Freshman pitcher Chloe Bailey led the charge for the Eagles, allowing just two runs on three hits over 5 innings while striking out four batters. Junior Emma Sites came in for relief, pitching 1 scoreless inning and giving up three hits with no walks.
The Eagles’ offense came out strong, putting up three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Freshman Briana Noles hit a two-run home run, while freshman Molly Mayfield contributed a two-RBI double. Senior Ava Gibson also had a standout performance, going 1-for-2 with a double and two RBIs.
- The Eagles showcased their defensive prowess as well, committing only one error and turning a double play. Senior Kam Neely anchored the defense at first base with six putouts.
Several other Eagles contributed to the team’s offensive success. Sophomore Anabelle Shackelford went 2-for-3 with a run scored and a walk, while senior McKenzie Toth added two hits, an RBI, and a run in three at-bats. Freshmen Quinn Graham and Carnley Summerlin also made their presence felt, with Graham scoring a run and Summerlin driving in one and scoring another.
Following the game, Freshman Molly Mayfield was given the The Impact Player Award for pinch-hitting. In a post on social media, the team wrote:
- “I don’t think everyone understands how hard mentally & physically it is to come into a game cold and be expected to hit. Very few people can. Molly came off that bench and crushed that ball. Not only an Impact player but a TEAM player of the game!!”
With this win, the Niceville High School Eagles continue their pursuit of a state championship. The upcoming regional semifinals matchup against Pace happens on May 14 as the Eagles look to extend their postseason run.
