Statesmen Fall to Parkland in NJCAA DII World Series Opener, Move into Elimination Bracket

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA — The Richard Bland College Softball team opened play at the 2026 NJCAA Division II Softball World Series Tuesday afternoon, falling 0-3 to Parkland College at Tyger River Stadium in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Despite outhitting Parkland 7-5, the Statesmen were unable to capitalize offensively as Parkland pitcher, Lucy Fearday tossed a complete-game shutout. Richard Bland scattered seven hits throughout the contest but left eight runners on base.

Freshman shortstop Rayna Klar led the Statesmen at the plate with a 2-for-3 performance, while Claudia Minetree, Arianna Manson, Grace Urban, Gabby Shaver, and Samantha Barbe each added a hit.

Parkland struck first in the opening inning on a sacrifice fly to take a 0-1 lead. The Cobras added insurance runs in the fifth and sixth innings to extend the advantage to three.

Ava Balli went the distance in the circle for Richard Bland, allowing five hits and three earned runs across six innings while striking out three. Balli battled through traffic throughout the afternoon, with Parkland drawing seven walks, but limited the damage to keep the Statesmen within reach.

Defensively, Richard Bland turned in several strong plays in the field and kept the game close throughout the seven-inning contest.

The Statesmen will continue play at the NJCAA Division II Softball World Series tomorrow at 4pm in an elimination game as they look to continue their historic postseason run. Their opponent will be the loser of game six, #4 Rock Valley vs #13 Northwest Mississippi.

For the full schedule and updates visit https://www.rbcathletics.com/sports/sball/2025-26/schedule or follow @rbcsoftball on social media.