Eagles Sweep No. 16 Parkland in Statement Doubleheader, Walk Off Game Two

MERIDIAN, Miss. — The Meridian Community College softball team made a statement Friday at Tommy McDonald Field, sweeping 16th-ranked Parkland College in front of a strong home crowd. The Eagles (14-5) claimed a 7-2 victory in game one before walking off the Lady Cobras 7-6 in a dramatic game two finish.

Game One – Layfield, King Power Eagles Past Parkland

Meridian fell behind early 1-0 before quickly responding in the bottom of the first inning. Alex Layfield drove in Presley Black to tie the game at 1-1.

After Parkland regained the lead in the third, Isabella White delivered a two-RBI hit to give the Eagles a 3-2 advantage. From there, Meridian took full control.

In the fourth inning, Raegan King launched a two-run home run — her eighth of the season — and Layfield followed with two more RBIs to extend the lead. The Eagles closed out the 7-2 win behind a complete-game effort from Willa Simmons, who allowed just two runs while striking out one.

Layfield finished game one with two doubles and three RBIs, while Charlee Smith, White, and Black each added doubles in the win.

Game Two – Mitchell's Blast Sets Up Walk-Off Thriller

The nightcap proved to be a battle.

Parkland struck first in the second inning, but Smith answered with an RBI to even the score. Meridian led 2-1 before the Cobras erupted for five runs in the third to take a 6-2 lead.

Smith drove in another run in the third to cut the deficit to 6-3, and the Eagles added another in the fourth to make it 6-4. After several scoreless innings, the drama unfolded in the bottom of the seventh.

With Meridian trailing by two, Mollie Mitchell stepped to the plate and crushed a two-run home run over center field to tie the game at 6-6.

Moments later, Smith delivered again — driving in her third run of the game in walk-off fashion to secure the 7-6 victory and complete the sweep.

In the circle, Aubree Jones started and worked two innings. Chelsea Regan was dominant in relief, tossing five scoreless innings with three strikeouts to give the Eagles a chance to rally late.

Smith, White, and King each doubled in game two.

Head coach Brad Grinstead praised his team's resilience.

"Bringing in a ranked opponent and coming out with a sweep is a good day at the ball park," Grinstead said. "I'm proud of the fight our team showed all day long."

Meridian will have a quick turnaround as the Eagles host 10th-ranked Kirkwood on Saturday at Tommy McDonald Field. First pitch is set for 2 p.m., and the game can be viewed live at mcceagles.live/white.

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