SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA – Patrick & Henry Community College Softball split a Tuesday road doubleheader against NJCAA Division II opponent Richard Bland College, earning a thrilling 6-3 Game 1 victory before falling 8-4 in the nightcap.

Game 1 – Patriots 6, Richard Bland 3

The Patriots secured a dramatic late-inning win in the opener behind timely hitting and strong pitching.

After the game was tied 3-3 heading into the seventh inning, sophomore first baseman Hannah Haynes (Virginia Beach, Va.) delivered the biggest swing of the afternoon, launching a three-run home run to right field to give P&HCC the lead for good.

P&HCC struck first in the fourth inning when freshman Allison Brooks (Stuarts Draft, Va.) lifted a sacrifice fly to bring home the game's opening run. Richard Bland responded in the bottom half of the inning to briefly take the lead before P&HCC answered with clutch at-bats in the seventh.

In the circle, sophomore Lily Carola (Union, W.Va.) started and worked 4.2 innings, allowing three hits and three runs (two earned) while striking out eight. Sophomore Aris Smith (King George, Va.) was outstanding in relief, tossing 2.1 innings of shutout softball, allowing no hits and striking out four to secure the win.

Haynes finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs, while sophomore Kylie Cooper (Wirtz, Va.) added two hits. The Patriots also showed patience at the plate, drawing five walks in the contest.

Game 2 – Richard Bland 8, Patriots 4

P&HCC jumped out quickly in Game 2, plating two runs in the top of the first inning. Sophomore Laura Brown (Verona, Va.) led off the game with a triple and later scored. Haynes reached on an error that allowed another run to cross, and Cooper followed with an RBI single to extend the early lead.

The Patriots pushed their advantage to 4-0 in the third inning after Haynes doubled and later scored on a sacrifice.

Richard Bland responded with a decisive third inning, stringing together multiple hits — including a three-run home run and a three-run double — to take control of the game.

Freshman Trinity Custer (Chatham, Va.), Smith, and Carola combined in the circle as P&HCC worked to settle things defensively after the big inning. Despite strong defensive efforts throughout the lineup, the Patriots were unable to generate a late rally.

Head Coach Robbi Campbell reflected on the team's performance:

"I'm very proud of the way our young ladies competed today and how they bounced back in Game 1. We got solid pitching, and that come-from-behind win was sparked by a huge three-run home run from Hannah Haynes and a clutch performance at the plate from Sierra Custer. In Game 2, we had one tough inning in the third, but overall we still saw solid pitching and quality at-bats — we just came up a little short. I'm proud of how this group continues to handle adversity and compete."

Patrick & Henry continues to challenge itself early in the season against strong competition as the Patriots prepare for Region 10 play.

P&HCC Softball returns home tomorrow for a doubleheader against Southwest Virginia Community College. Originally slated for 2:00 and 4:00 p.m., game times have been adjusted to 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Fans are encouraged to come out and support the Patriots.

For schedules, stats, and more information, visit phccsports.com.