St. Louis Community College Captures Region 16 Title

St. Louis Community College capped an impressive weekend run at the NJCAA Region 16 Softball Tournament with a dominant championship performance, securing the title and punching its ticket to the Central District Tournament (May 8–10 at Parkland College).

Game 1: STLCC Walks It Off in Tournament Opener, 7–6

St. Louis opened the tournament in dramatic fashion, rallying late to defeat Moberly Area Community College, 7–6. After trading runs throughout, STLCC sealed the victory with a two-run surge in the bottom of the seventh.

The Archers tallied 14 hits in the contest, led by Emily Newman (3-for-4, RBI, 2 runs) and Kenzie Griswold (2-for-4, 2 runs). Lakota Vincent and Rylie Fisher combined for three RBIs, while aggressive baserunning—including three stolen bases from Reese Kieso—kept pressure on Moberly's defense.

In the circle, STLCC used a trio of pitchers, with Hadley Hughes earning the win in relief. Despite surrendering an early lead, the Archers' offensive depth proved decisive in the comeback effort.

Game 2: Balanced Attack Lifts STLCC Past East Central, 5–4

St. Louis continued its winning momentum in Game 2, edging East Central College 5–4 in a tightly contested matchup.

Trailing 4–1 early, STLCC responded with a three-run fourth inning to tie the game before pushing across the decisive run in the sixth. Natalie Jensen (2 RBIs) and Paige Glasgow (2 RBIs) delivered key extra-base hits, while Reese Kieso set the tone at the top of the lineup with two hits and two runs scored.

After allowing four runs in the first three innings, the Archers' pitching locked in. Hadley Hughes delivered four scoreless innings of relief to earn her second win of the day, limiting East Central to just one hit down the stretch.

Game 3: Mineral Area Hands STLCC First Loss, 4–2

In the winner's bracket final, Mineral Area College slowed STLCC's momentum with a 4–2 victory.

The Archers managed just four hits in the contest, with Lakota Vincent driving in the lone RBI. STLCC briefly tied the game with two runs in the fourth, but Mineral Area responded late, scoring three runs across the sixth and seventh innings.

Riley Jo Fendler went the distance in the circle, allowing four runs (three earned) while striking out four. Mineral Area's timely hitting and STLCC's inability to capitalize offensively forced the Archers into a winner-take-all championship game.

Championship Game: STLCC Dominates Mineral Area, 10–0

Facing a rematch with the title on the line, STLCC delivered its most complete performance of the tournament, overwhelming Mineral Area 10–0 in five innings.

The Archers erupted for 10 runs on 12 hits, highlighted by a five-run fifth inning that put the run-rule victory out of reach. Tataum Peery (3 RBIs), Paige Glasgow (2 RBIs, 2 doubles), and Natalie Jensen (2 RBIs) powered the offensive explosion, while Reese Kieso scored three runs and added two hits.

In the circle, Kenzie Griswold was dominant, tossing a two-hit shutout with eight strikeouts over five innings to secure the Region 16 championship. The defense backed her effort, limiting Mineral Area to just two hits and shutting down any scoring threats.

Tournament Standouts

• Reese Kieso: Sparked the offense all weekend with consistent hitting, speed on the bases, and run production.
• Hadley Hughes: Key relief performances in two wins, anchoring the pitching staff in critical moments.
• Kenzie Griswold: Championship game shutout with eight strikeouts.
• Paige Glasgow / Tataum Peery / Natalie Jensen: Delivered timely extra-base hits and clutch RBIs throughout the tournament.

Up Next

With the Region 16 title secured, St. Louis Community College advances to the NJCAA Central District Tournament, set for May 8–10 at Parkland College. The Archers will look to carry their momentum into postseason play as they pursue a national tournament berth.