From first trip to first title: Pearl River softball clinches National Championship

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. (PRCCAthletics.com) — History kept finding No. 5 Pearl River softball all season long, but the Wildcats saved their most unforgettable moment for the biggest stage Monday afternoon.

In the program's first-ever NJCAA Division II World Series appearance, Pearl River completed a perfect run through the bracket and captured the first National Championship in school history, defeating No. 9 Des Moines Area 2-1 inside Brinkley Stadium.

"That's one of the toughest games that we've had all year," head coach Christie Meeks said. "We had to battle through making adjustments throughout. The main thing that stands out is that they've been resilient. That's through anything that they faced this year. They've proven people wrong.

"We took this program over during COVID — what a crazy first year," Meeks said. "The first group left a legacy and each team up to now has laid this foundation. I can't tell you how many text messages I've gotten today from alumni that are talking about how proud they are to be part of this program."

The Wildcats closed out a remarkable week by taking down a murderer's row of opponents that included No. 12 Johnson County, No. 4 Rock Valley, No. 1 Kirkwood, No. 2 Murray State and No. 9 Des Moines Area to bring the trophy back to Poplarville.

Unlike its previous games throughout the week, Pearl River (48-7 overall) had to grind for every inch against Des Moines Area (60-12). The Bears struck immediately, using two singles and a walk in the top of the first inning to grab an early 1-0 advantage.

PRCC put a runner aboard in the bottom half of the inning, but the Wildcats' offense went quiet after that. Fortunately for Pearl River, Ana-Grace Garcia (Baton Rouge, La.; St. Joseph's) settled in and turned the game into another pitching masterpiece. The sophomore retired 13 consecutive DMACC batters and completely shifted the momentum back into Pearl River's dugout before running into trouble in the sixth inning.

With the bases loaded and the Wildcats clinging to hope, Garcia delivered one of the biggest pitches in program history — an off-speed gem that froze a Des Moines Area hitter into an off-balance swing for a critical strikeout.

It felt like the Wildcats were running out of outs in the bottom of the sixth after the first two batters were retired, but champions find life when there seems to be none left.

Kai Goodman (New Orleans, La.; John Curtis) sparked the rally by fighting through a 1-2 count before lining a ball into the outfield and using her speed to stretch it into a double. Addy Grace Alexander (Poplarville) followed by drawing a five-pitch walk to place the tying and go-ahead runs on base.

Then came the swing Pearl River softball fans will never forget.

Natalee Eaves (Louisville; Choctaw Central), already one of the tournament's biggest stars, attacked a 1-1 pitch on the outer half and ripped it down the right-field line and into the corner. Goodman raced home with the tying run, Alexander followed close behind with the go-ahead score and Eaves slid feet-first into third base with a thunderous two-run triple that sent the Pearl River dugout into a frenzy.

"The third time through our lineup is tough for anyone," Meeks said. "Our hitters have been phenomenal all year on making adjustments. We just knew something was about to happen. It was a story being written and everyone could feel it."

Three outs later, Garcia slammed the door shut in dominant fashion. The right-hander needed just seven pitches in the seventh inning, forcing two groundouts before striking out the final batter of the game and sending the Wildcat dugout pouring onto the field in celebration of the first National Championship in program history.

Garcia tossed her third complete game of the tournament, allowing one run on three hits and two walks while striking out 11.

Goodman and Eaves recorded Pearl River's only hits of the afternoon — both extra-base knocks — while Eaves drove in both runs.

ALL-TOURNAMENT AWARDS
Garcia was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. Across four appearances, the right-hander threw 25 1/3 innings and posted a 1.11 ERA with a 0.79 WHIP. Along the way, she earned victories over No. 1 Kirkwood, No. 2 Murray State, No. 4 Rock Valley and No. 9 Des Moines Area.

Eaves was named the tournament's Outstanding Offensive Player after batting .438 with nine RBIs, two home runs, one triple and one double. The Campbell signee also stole two bases during the week.

Shania Fondren (Batesville; South Panola) earned Outstanding Defensive Player honors after playing flawless defense at third base throughout the tournament.

Maeli Ben (Conehatta; Newton County), Goodman and Jaycee Holifield (Laurel; Stringer) also earned spots on the All-Tournament Team. Ben finished the week 6-for-14 at the plate, while Goodman went 7-for-17. Holifield finished 5-for-17 with three doubles, three runs scored and five RBIs.

About the MACCC

The Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC)  is one of the premier community college conferences in the country and ranks among the elite in the nation in terms of alumni on professional sports teams. 

Current championship competition offered by the league includes competition for men in baseball, basketball, football, golf, soccer and tennis.  

Women's competition is offered in the sports of basketball, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball. 

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