CLEARWATER, Fla. – The No. 4 Parkland College Softball team picked up two wins over Polk State College and St. Petersburg College on the last day of the JUCO Kickoff Classic and Showcase on Sunday, January 28. The Cobras (4-2) exploded for a 14-3 win over Polk State in six innings before closing the event with a 6-0 shutout versus St. Petersburg College at Eddie C. Moore Park. Sophomore catcher Lexie Griffin launched the team's first home run of the season in the win over SPC, and both starting pitchers Ellie Vetter (2-1) and Karley Yergler (2-1) earned wins on Sunday.

"Playing in this event challenges us every year," Co-Head Coach Dan Paulson said after his team's 4-2 start. "We have played some outstanding competition, and we have improved every day, which is what we expect, but to see it happen is outstanding."

"We just feel it is good to get on the dirt this early and see where we stack up," Paulson added. "We have had many different players contribute this weekend so far; you can tell this team is something special."

"We have a great mix of talented experience that returns from last year's team to go along with some newcomers that are versatile and crafty. This will be a fun and exciting spring."
 
Game 1: No. 4 Parkland College 14, Polk State College 3
 
Parkland began the day with two runs in the top of the 1st, but Polk State responded quickly with a run in the bottom half. In the 3rd inning, freshman Alisha Frederick (3-4, 3 R, SB) lifted a double out to center field and never stopped running, rounding the bases to score on an error. The Cobras drove in four more runs in the 3rd and two in the 4th to lead 9-1. Sophomore Katy Hendricks (1-3, RBI, R, BB, SB) scored on a passed ball in the top of the 5th before the Eagles got two runs back in the bottom half to make it 10-3. Parkland loaded the bases with one out in the 6th, knocking in four runs and enacting the mercy rule in a 14-3 win.
 
Second baseman Emma Mason (1-2, 2 RBI, R, SB) led the team with 2 RBI as eight different Cobras drove in a run. Frederick, Lizzie Stiverson (2-2, RBI, 2 R), Claire Black (2-2, RBI, R), Tori Thomas (2-2, R, SB), and Karley Yergler (2-2, RBI) all recorded multiple hits in the win.
 
In the circle, sophomore Ellie Vetter (3.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 3 K, 2 BB) sat down 13 batters in her third start this season, and freshman Claire Black (3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER) did not give up an earned run in her first appearance.
 
Game 2: No. 4 Parkland College 6, St. Petersburg College 0
 
The Cobras opened the scoring for their sixth straight game, this time thanks to a 2-run home run from Lexie Griffin (2-3, HR, 2 RBI, BB) in the 2nd inning – and freshman Mia Ruder (2-4, 2 RBI) lined a 2-RBI single into right field in the top of the 4th put Parkland ahead 4-0. Starting pitcher Karley Yergler (7.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 13 K) shut the Titans down in the circle and added to the Cobra lead at the plate with a sacrifice fly in the 5th, scoring Kailee Otto (1-4, R). Freshman Tori Thomas (2-3, 3 R) tripled twice and scored on a passed ball in the top of the 7th to finish the scoring as Parkland powered past St. Petersburg 6-0.

 
Up next, the Cobras will play a doubleheader at Pasco-Hernando Community College tomorrow, January 29, their final games in Florida until the Spring Games in March. First pitch versus the Bobcats (1-2) is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. EST.