Pearl River wins first NJCAA Division II softball title with 2-1 win over Des Moines Area

Pearl River Community College beat Des Moines Area 2-1 on Monday to win its first NJCAA Division II softball national championship, the college said.

Sophomore pitcher Ana-Grace Garcia threw a complete game and struck out 11, allowing one run on three hits, Pearl River said. Garcia retired 13 consecutive batters during her outing and recorded a key strikeout with the bases loaded in the sixth inning, the school added.

The Wildcats took the lead in the bottom of the sixth after Kai Goodman singled and Addy Grace Alexander drew a walk. Natalee Eaves then hit a two-run double into the right-field corner to put Pearl River ahead, the college said. Goodman and Eaves accounted for Pearl River’s only hits in the game, both extra-base hits, according to the school.

Pearl River finished the season 48-7 and completed a perfect run through the NJCAA Division II World Series bracket, the college said. The Wildcats defeated No. 12 Johnson County, No. 4 Rock Valley, No. 1 Kirkwood, No. 2 Murray State and Des Moines Area during the tournament, Pearl River added.

The college said Garcia was named tournament most valuable player after throwing 25 1/3 innings with a 1.11 ERA and a 0.79 WHIP across four appearances. Eaves was named top offensive player after batting .438 with nine RBIs, two home runs, a triple and a double. Shania Fondren was recognized as outstanding defensive player, and Maeli Ben earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team, Pearl River said.

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