![Pair of Walk Off Homers Propel Northwest Florida To Opening Day Victories](/sports/sball/2024-25/photos/DSC6529.jpg)
Pair of Walk Off Homers Propel Northwest Florida To Opening Day Victories
NICEVILLE, Fla. – On Saturday morning, Northwest Florida State softball kicked off their 2025 season in style with two run-rule walk-off victories.
In the first game of the doubleheader, Bre Hughes delivered the decisive blow with a three-run homer to right field. Julie Stevens followed suit in the second game, sealing the Raiders' second win with another three-run home run.
GAME ONE
Northwest Florida State rolled past Louisburg College in a decisive 9-1 win on Saturday, powered by a five-run fifth inning and strong performances at the plate and on the mound.
The Raiders opened the scoring in the bottom of the third inning with RBI singles from Hayley Hughes and Sara Watson, bringing in three runs to give Northwest Florida a 3-0 lead.
Louisburg College responded in the top of the fourth with an RBI groundout to score their lone run. However, the Raiders quickly regained momentum in the bottom of the inning when Sister Arnold smashed a first-pitch home run to center field, putting Northwest Florida back ahead by three.
The fifth inning proved pivotal as Julie Stevens launched a two-run home run to center field, followed by Bre Hughes' three-run homer to right field, sealing the Raiders' 9-1 walk-off win via the run rule.
Pitching Highlights
Cailyn Heyl earned the win for the Raiders, delivering five strong innings. She allowed just one run on seven hits while striking out six and issuing no walks. Louisburg's Hall took the loss, surrendering nine hits and seven runs over four innings, with one strikeout and four walks.
Offensive Leaders
The Raiders' offense was led by Bre Hughes, who went 2-for-4 with three RBIs, and Julie Stevens, whose two-run homer capped off a stellar day at the plate. Hayley Henry also contributed two hits while recording a team-high nine defensive chances.
Northwest Florida's discipline at the plate showed as they drew four walks in the game. The defense also shined, playing error-free baseball.
For Louisburg College, Lee stood out with a perfect 2-for-2 performance at the plate, while Pickett contributed the team's lone RBI. Despite the loss, Louisburg's defense remained sharp, committing no errors.
GAME TWO
The Raiders secured another run-run victory in walk off fashion in game two of the doubleheader as well.
The Raiders wasted no time getting on the board in the first inning as Bre Hughes blasted a two-run homer to center field.
Louisburg tied the game at 2-2 in the top of the second when Kugler doubled to right field, bringing in two runs. However, the Raiders quickly regained the lead in the bottom half of the inning with Karson McGowan's solo home run to center field.
Northwest Florida added to their lead in the third inning when McGowan doubled, driving in two more runs to make it 5-2.
The Raiders kept their foot on the gas in the fourth, extending the lead to 7-3. Anastasia Acree smashed a solo home run to left field, followed by Sister Arnold's RBI single.
The fifth inning sealed the game for Northwest Florida as they exploded for six more runs. Lulu Luedtke's RBI single and Acree's RBI double set the tone, while a wild pitch added another run. Hailey Henry then delivered the knockout blow with a three-run homer to center field, marking the second consecutive game the Raiders ended via the run rule with a walk-off home run.
Pitching Highlights
Mallory Baker earned the win for the Raiders, pitching five innings and allowing just three hits and three runs (two earned) while striking out six and walking three.
Offensive Leaders
The Raiders racked up 12 hits in the game. Hughes, McGowan, Acree, Arnold, and Hayden Andrews each recorded two hits. McGowan and Henry led the team with three RBIs apiece, while Henry also drew two of the team's six walks.
For Louisburg College, Kugler led the offense with two RBIs, going 1-for-2 at the plate. Smith, Hall, and Kugler each recorded one hit, and Louisburg turned a double play to stay strong defensively, committing no errors.
Northwest Florida State continues their impressive early-season form, combining power at the plate with solid pitching to dominate their opponents.
UP NEXT
Northwest Florida returns home tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM to face Louisburg in the final game of their three-game series. Following that, the Raiders will hit the road for the next couple of weeks, playing their next nine games across two classics in Youngsville, La., and Panama City, Fla.