Graphic showing the final score of an NJCAA Division III Softball World Series elimination game between Patrick & Henry Community College and Joliet Junior College in East Syracuse, New York. The graphic features a P&HCC softball player standing on the infield dirt in a gold jersey, gray softball pants, and white helmet during the game. The scoreboard on the right shows Joliet defeating P&HCC 3-2. P&HCC recorded six hits while Joliet finished with four hits. Team logos and P&HCC blue-and-yellow branding appear throughout the graphic.

Posted: May 22, 2026

Patriots’ Season Comes to a Close at NJCAA Division III Softball World Series

EAST SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Patrick & Henry Community College softball saw its impressive 2026 season come to an end Friday evening with a hard-fought 3-2 loss to Joliet Junior College in an elimination game at the NJCAA Division III Softball World Series.

The Patriots battled throughout the contest and out-hit Joliet 6-4, but the Wolves capitalized on a pivotal third inning to narrowly escape with the victory.

P&HCC struck first in the second inning after an error allowed the game's opening run to score. The Patriots added another run in the third when freshman Allison Brooks (Stuarts Draft, Va.) ripped an RBI double down the left field line to push the advantage to 2-0.

Joliet answered in the bottom half of the inning, taking advantage of a pair of Patriot miscues before adding the eventual game-winning run on a sacrifice fly.

Sophomore Lily Carola (Union, W.Va.) got the start in the circle, while sophomore Aris Smith (King George, Va.) delivered another strong relief outing, tossing three and two-thirds scoreless innings with five strikeouts while allowing just one hit.

Brooks and freshman Sierra Custer (Grottoes, Va.) each finished with two hits to lead the Patriots offensively.

Head Coach Robbi Campbell reflected on the fight his team showed throughout both the tournament and the season.

"I'm incredibly proud of this group," Campbell said. "They battled through adversity all year and represented our college the right way every single day. This sophomore class helped elevate our program and laid a foundation we're going to continue building on."

The Patriots close the season after earning an at-large bid to the NJCAA Division III Softball World Series and making a strong postseason run that included wins over Surry, Caldwell, Erie, and Joliet during postseason play.

P&HCC finished the year as one of the final teams standing in the NJCAA Division III Softball World Series field while continuing to establish itself among the nation's top Division III programs.

For continued coverage and offseason updates, visit phccsports.com