It was an NJCAA Division I World Series run that won’t soon be forgotten by the Galveston College Whitecaps softball team and the community as their quest for a national title came to an end Thursday at the hands of No. 3-seeded Northwest Florida State College.
The Whitecaps exit the World Series as the No. 5 team in the nation after their phenomenal run.
The Whitecaps were the No. 7 seed of the World Series tournament, played at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, Alabama, after winning the Region 14 tournament. GC went five rounds deep into the World Series with incredible displays of will, grit, determination, fundamental play and a never-say-die attitude that propelled them within three games of the championship game and into the hearts of the community.
“We had a great run and I’m proud of how this team continued to improve all year long and never gave up,” said GC Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach, Kelly Raines, who was also named the Region 14 Coach of the Year. “We came close to elimination three times during the World Series and each time, these talented and determined players we have never gave up and rallied to come back. That says a lot about this team and our players’ character. It was a great experience they will never forget and one we will continue to build on to go further next year.”
The Whitecaps were among a field of the 20 best teams in the nation, earning the No. 17 rank in the nation in the final poll. In the World Series, GC posted a 3-2 record, including a 10-1 loss to Northwest Florida, which was the Whitecaps’ second game of the day on Thursday.
GC defeated Walters State Community College 3-2 to open the national tournament, then fell 10-1 to No. 2-seeded Indian River State College in the next round, followed by a dramatic 3-2 come-from-behind win over Region 14 South Conference co-champion, San Jacinto College-South.
The Whitecaps rallied again for a miraculous 2-1 extra-inning victory over No. 4-seeded Florida Southwestern to advance to the matchup against Northwest Florida State.