Okeechobee - Tuesday May 3, 2022: The Indian River State College women's softball team played a double-header against South Florida State College (SFSC) at the Seminole Brighton Reservation on Saturday, April 11. Members of the Seminole Tribe, IRSC students, employees and fans looked on as the Lady Pioneers won both games, defeating SFSC 2-1 and 3-2.
These were the first IRSC Lady Pioneer softball games played on the reservation and among several activities planned to support the growing relationship between the Tribe and the College.
"Our tribal members are strongly into sports, and softball is especially important to our reservation," said Larry Howard, Seminole Tribe Brighton Reservation Council Representative. "We enjoyed hosting these games and look forward to expanding our partnership with IRSC and holding more games here at the reservation for many years to come. We hope that IRSC's presence here encourages our youth to get involved with IRSC sports and educational programs as student-athletes."
In the opening game, Bridgett Dunham's sacrifice fly drove in the winning run, scoring Daija Torchia in the hard-fought 2-1 victory. Sophomore pitcher Taylor Barrett tossed a complete-game one-hitter, striking out eleven SFSC Panther hitters.
In the second game, a 3-2 win, sophomore pitcher Taylor Wroten went the distance. Wroten allowed no earned runs, allowed three hits, striking out five. Cassidy Crump and Nikki Luzzi had two hits to pace the Pioneer offense.
Several Tribal members are IRSC graduates. Some have distinguished themselves both in the classroom and on the field. Among them decorated athlete Mary Huff. Huff is an alumna of the IRSC Softball Team and First Team All-Southern Conference pitcher.
"It was a spectacular afternoon, and we are grateful to Councilman Howard and the Tribe for inviting our players here," said Dr. Timothy Moore, IRSC President. "The Seminole Tribe and the College have a shared vision. Together, we will do everything possible to build the brightest futures for our youth."
