Indians split with top-ranked teams to close out Panama City Beach Invitational

PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL – The Indians faced top-ranked DII and DIII softball teams, the St. Johns River State Vikings and Patrick & Henry Patriots, on the final day of the Panama City Beach Invitational.

Game 1: No. 1 Vikings 5, Indians 4 [VIDEO]

The Indians' late rally fell just short in a 5-4 loss to No. 1 St. Johns River State College.

Trailing 5-2 in the fifth inning, ICC ignited a two-out surge when Laklyn Nichols and Maddie Porter scored on an AB Marlar single to left, cutting the deficit to one.

In the seventh, the Indians put the tying run in scoring position, but a highlight-reel double play by the Vikings' third baseman sealed the hard-fought win.

Nichols, Porter, and Lauren Brown each recorded two hits. Alyssa Clifft took the loss for the Indians.

Game 2: Indians 14, No. 1 Patriots 6 (6 innings) [VIDEO]

A seven-run sixth inning propelled the Indians to a run-rule victory over No. 1 Patrick & Henry.

Porter doubled to center, scoring Ella Duhon and Joryie McKnight. Brown followed with an RBI single to bring in Porter. Kamdyn Taylor then smashed a double into the gap, driving in Brown, Ana Marie Teal, and Tayler Graham. McKnight capped off the rally with an RBI single to right, plating Nichols and triggering the run rule.

The Indians collected 11 hits, led by McKnight with three. Porter and Goodman each added two hits.

Brown earned the win in relief of Nelly Hodum.