The Chipola College Lady Indians captured the FCSAA/Region VIII State Championship with a 3-2 win over Miami-Dade in the title game on May 3.
Chipola trailed 2-0 until the seventh inning when Madison Ragan hit a 2 RBI single to tie the game. Jenna reeves hit a single to score Savannah Ryken for the winning run.
Chipola ace Jessica Elliot started the game, but Ilonga Andringa pitched the final four innings to earn the win. Chipola is 4-0 in the state tournament title games, with a 3-0 against Miami-Dade in championship games.
Head coach Belinda Hendrix says, "I'm very proud of our girls and our staff. They've worked hard to meet our first two goals—a conference title and a state title. Now we're focused on our next goal of bringing home a national championship. We appreciate all the support from the college and the community."
Chipola captured the school's first national title in softball in 2007. The Lady Indians play in the 2015 NJCAA National Tournament May 13-16 in St. George, Utah. Chipola won the Panhandle Conference championship with a league record of 13-3.
In the state tournament, Chipola also beat Miami 7-1 on May 2 to advance to the title game. The Lady Indians batted around in the second inning scoring 6 runs. Brashante' Dareus, Gabriela Santos, Courtney Davis and Madison Ragan all singled and scored. Shelby Clark had a double with 2 RBI and a run. Savannah Ryken walked, stole third and scored. Jenna Reevessingled and stole second with 2 RBI.
On their way to the title, Chipola beat top-ranked Central Florida 5-3 on May 2. Jessica Elliot earned the win for the Lady Indians. Madison Ragan got the save.
Chipola beat St. John's River 8-0 in the opening round on May 1. Chipola ace Jessica Elliot earned the win in 4 innings of work. Ciara Jones was 2 for 3. The Lady Indians scored 1 in the second and 7 in the third.
Chipola scored a 4-2 win over Indian River in their second contest on May 1. Madison Ragan picked up the win for Chipola in 5 innings. Elliot earned the save. Shelby Clark was 2 for 3 the Lady Indians.
Chipola had four players on the All-Tournament team: infielder, Courtney Davis; outfielder, Shelby Clark; Designated Player, Madison Ragan; and pitcher, Jessica Elliot.