Latest news with #PanhandleConference
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NWF Lady Raiders head to NJCAA Nationals as No. 3 seed
NICEVILLE, Fla. (WMBB) – The No. 3 Lady Raiders traveled to Yuma, Arizona, after receiving an at-large bid to the 2025 NJCAA Division I Softball World Series. The 56–4 Lady Raiders, three-time Panhandle Conference champions, have been given another shot at a national title after receiving the No. 3 seed as an at-large bid to the 2025 NJCAA Division I Softball World Series. The Lady Raiders are set to face the winner of No. 14 Southern Union State and No. 19 Arizona Western in their opening game. In recent years, Northwest Florida State has made back-to-back deep postseason runs. Last season, the Raiders advanced to the quarterfinals. The year before, they finished as national finalists. Head coach Andy Lee says the team's rigorous schedule — including consistent competition in the Panhandle Conference — has built both experience and confidence. 'We've been preparing all year for this,' Lee said. 'Playing in a tough conference gives our players the edge they need when it's time to compete on the national stage.' The team is led by All-American sophomore Sister Arnold, who has been a standout force this season with 66 runs, 13 home runs, and a .434 batting average. This time around, the goal is simple: bring home the crown. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Commodores claim conference title after 15 years
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Gulf Coast State baseball team secured first place in the Panhandle Conference for the first time since 2010. The Gulf Coast State Commodores were sent to the postseason for the first time since 2016. After Northwest Florida State fell to Tallahassee State in two of four games in the series, a path was cleared for the 15-9 Commodores to finish on top and secure the Division I Panhandle Conference title for the first time since 2010. A total of 53 home runs have already been recorded by the Commodores, led by sophomore Alex McCranie, who holds a .386 batting average. Coming off of a four-game winning streak, the Gulf Coast State Commodores will host a best-of-three regional series beginning Friday, May 2. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Gulf Coast downs Pensacola to hold Panhandle lead
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Gulf Coast baseball team defeated Pensacola State 8-4 at home on Thursday, maintaining its current lead in the Panhandle Conference standings. The Commodores improved to 26-8 and will visit Pensacola for a doubleheader on Saturday, April 5. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Gulf Coast takes first place spot in Panhandle Conference
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – The Gulf Coast State Commodores swept the Northwest Florida State Raiders in a doubleheader on Saturday, securing their spot at No. 1 in the Panhandle Conference. The Commodores improved to 24-8 and will play Pensacola State on Tuesday, April 1. The Raiders fell to 25-10 and will play Chipola on Tuesday, April 1. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Local softball players fueling Chipola's success
MARIANNA, Fla. (WMBB) – Five softball players from local high schools are helping lead the Chipola softball team to a strong season. Chipola head coach Kelly Brookins, a Liberty County High School and Chipola college softball alum, has entered her fourth season leading the program. As a Panhandle native herself, Brookins loves to recruit local talent. On Chipola's softball team this season are freshmen Lauren Grantham and Gabrie Flowers, along with sophomore Riley Read, who all went to Liberty County High School. Freshman Jadyn Riano and sophomore Olivia Spooner went to Marianna High School. 'Growing up, everyone at least knew of each other,' Flowers said. 'The connection was easy because we had competed before. There were plenty of moments of, 'Remember when we beat you?' It's all just friendly competition.' Many of the athletes had previously attended Chipola camps, where Brookins served as one of their first influences during childhood. 'At 12 years old, seeing a college coach was nerve-wracking,' Riano said. 'It has come full circle. Watching the older players back then and now stepping into their role is a surreal experience,' Spooner said. Even though they have all graduated high school, they never miss an opportunity to give back to their hometowns. 'My old high school and middle school visited to spend the day practicing with us,' Read said. 'It felt really special because now we're the older girls.' Chipola is 20-10 on the season and will visit Northwest Florida to compete for first place in the Panhandle Conference. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
