GULF SHORES, La. - The Hinds Community College Softball team put together a statement weekend, collecting four impressive victories behind timely hitting, dominant pitching, and clutch late-game performances.

Game 1 vs. Pensacola State
Claire Mellard earned her fourth win of the season, overcoming an early setback after surrendering a three-run home run in the top of the first inning. From that point forward, she settled in and allowed just three more Pirate hitters to reach base the rest of the game.

Offensively, Hinds scattered 10 hits and plated four runs. Jalia McDaniel drove in the Lady Eagles' first run with a triple and later scored on a throwing error in the third inning. Mackenzie Smith delivered a sacrifice fly in the sixth to tie the game at 3-3. In the seventh, LaKeitha Sampson ignited the rally with an infield single, then stole second and advanced to third on a bad throw. Addison Galloway followed by dropping a perfectly placed single over the infield to seal the walk-off victory.

Game 2 vs. Coastal Alabama–North
Laicie Bridges made her first start of the season and went the distance, allowing just one run on six hits over seven strong innings to earn her first win of the year.

The Lady Eagles' offense continued to surge, totaling 14 hits from 10 different batters and scoring 11 runs. Adyson McKnight led the charge with a perfect 3-for-3 performance and two runs scored. Galloway stayed hot at the plate, collecting three hits, including two doubles, and scoring twice.

Game 3 vs. Central Alabama
Day two featured Hinds' first ranked opponent of the season. After falling behind 2-0 in the first inning, the Lady Eagles responded in the third. Aubrie Carter sparked the rally with a leadoff hit-by-pitch, followed by a walk from Aaliyah Nixon and an RBI single by Sampson. McDaniel tied the game with a double, and Emma Hudson and Alyx Hall delivered back-to-back RBI singles. Abby McLean capped the five-run inning with an RBI double.

Central Alabama battled back to tie the game at 5-5, but Carter reclaimed the lead in the sixth with an RBI triple. In the seventh, McDaniel and Hudson hit back-to-back doubles before Hall launched a two-run home run to secure the win.

McLean made her first start of the season, tossing four innings and allowing four runs (one earned). Mellard closed the door with three innings of relief to earn the win.

Game 4 vs. Bishop State
Hinds Softball capped the weekend with a run-rule victory, pounding out 15 hits and scoring nine runs in five innings. Four players recorded multiple hits, which was Hall, McLean, Smith, and Xiomara Fireplace. Additionally, the Lady Eagles had 10 different batters registered at least one hit.

Fireplace delivered one of the biggest moments of the game, coming off the bench with two outs and the bases loaded in the third inning to drive in two runs with a clutch double. She added two more RBI in the fifth with another bases-loaded hit.

Jazmin Robertson made her fourth start of the season and exited the circle with the lead. Bridges allowed one run in relief before settling in, and Mattie Gibson tossed a perfect top of the fifth to set up the decisive finish.

The Lady Eagles will host their home opener against #16 Parkland College on Thursday, February 19 at Rene T. Warren Field on the Raymond campus.

Fans can purchase tickets online or follow live updates on GameChanger (Hinds Softball Eagles), X @HindsCC_SB, and Instagram @hindsccsoftball.