Graphic showing the final score of an NJCAA Division III Softball World Series elimination game between Patrick & Henry Community College and Erie Community College in East Syracuse, New York. The graphic features a P&HCC softball player wearing jersey number 26 jogging on the field in a blue and gold uniform. The scoreboard on the right shows P&HCC defeating Erie 4-3. Team logos and P&HCC blue-and-yellow branding appear throughout the graphic.

Posted: May 21, 2026

Patriots Stay Alive at NJCAA Division III Softball World Series

EAST SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Patrick & Henry Community College softball kept its season alive Thursday afternoon with a hard-fought 4-3 victory over Erie Community College at the NJCAA Division III Softball World Series.

The Patriots used timely hitting and another strong outing in the circle from sophomore Aris Smith (King George, Va.) to advance in the elimination bracket.

P&HCC struck first in the opening inning when sophomore Laura Brown (Verona, Va.) doubled to drive in a run and give the Patriots an early 1-0 lead.

Erie answered with a pair of runs in the third inning before the Patriots quickly responded. Sophomore Hannah Haynes (Virginia Beach, Va.) tied the game at 2-2 with an RBI fielder's choice later in the inning.

After Erie regained a 3-2 lead in the fifth, sophomore Kylie Cooper (Wirtz, Va.) came through with an RBI single to even the score once again.

The biggest moment came in the sixth inning when freshman McKenzie Cobb (Yanceyville, N.C.) ripped a go-ahead RBI triple to put the Patriots in front for good.

Smith closed the door from there, tossing a complete game while allowing just three runs — only one earned — and striking out seven.

The Patriots totaled 12 hits in the win, led by Brown's three-hit performance. Haynes, Brown, and Cooper each recorded an RBI, while sophomore Allison Brooks (Stuarts Draft, Va.), Cobb, and freshman Trinity Aherron (Chesapeake, Va.) each added multiple hits.

P&HCC also stayed aggressive on the bases, swiping four stolen bases in the victory.

Head Coach Robbi Campbell praised the response from his team after Wednesday night's extra-inning battle.

"I thought our kids showed a lot of toughness today," Campbell said. "After a long night yesterday, they came back focused and competed every inning. We had a lot of different players step up in big moments."

With the win, the Patriots advance to another elimination matchup Friday at 5:00 p.m. against the winner of Joliet Junior College and Corning Community College.

For continued updates from the NJCAA Division III Softball World Series, visit phccsports.com.