OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The No. 19—ranked Johnson County softball team captured the 2022 KJCCC D-II, Division A title Tuesday afternoon, winning both games at Independence.  JCCC trailed after the first inning in first game but came back to post blowout victory of 12-3. In the second game JCCC plated six runs in the top of the first then cruised to a 9-4 win.

With the sweep of the Pirates, the Lady Cavaliers finish the regular season 28-16 overall, and 22-10 in the conference, one game better than runner-up Kansas City Kansas (21-11). This is the 16 conference championship in program history, and the third for head coach Aubree Brattin-Volkens.

In the opening game, Kaylin Watkins had a single and double to drive in a game-high three runs. Natalie Bruce had two singles and a double with two RBI. Katie Enneking and Toree Hoobler each ripped two-run doubles and Macey Nigh belted a solo home run to power the Lady Cavaliers to 12 runs scored. 

Right-hander Jordan Harrison allowed three runs, two earned, off seven hits with four strikeouts in six innings of work. Morgan Lindsay hurled a perfect seventh with two strikeouts to close out the game. 

In the final game Nigh ripped two doubles, scored twice, and drove in a run. Watkins went 3-for-4, all singles, scored and drove in a run. AJ Elleman had a single, double and drove in two, Nyah Brown had two hits and an RBI and Enneking drove in a run with a double. Allee Brattin and Malia Gutierrez also recorded RBI singles.

Ellman got the start and victory. She pitched three innings and gave up three runs, two earned and struck out two. Myel White logged the next three and Lindsay closed out the game. 

Up next for the Lady Cavaliers is the Region 6/Plains District B Tournament May 14-15 at Hummer Sports Park in Topeka, Kan. Johnson County will face No. 16-ranked Kansas City Kansas at noon on May 14 in the first round of the double elimination tournament. The winner will advance to the NJCAA D-II Softball Championship May 24-28 at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Ala.