GSW softball splits with Young Harris

Published 4:55 pm Monday, April 8, 2019

From Staff Reports

 

YOUNG HARRIS, GA – After getting swept in a two-game series by North Georgia in Dahlonega on Saturday, April 6, the Georgia Southwestern State University softball team attempted to get back on the winning track when they traveled over to Young Harris, GA to take on the Lady Mountain Lions of Young Harris College on Sunday, April 7.

The Lady Hurricanes were able to shut out YHC 7-0 in Game 1 of a doubleheader, but lost 4-3 in Game 2. In Game 1, Aimee Oglesby hit a two-run home run in the top of the second inning to give GSW a 2-0 lead. In the top of the fourth, Allyson Murdock singled into right center, pushing Haley Griffin across the plate to increase the lead to 3-0.

Elizabeth Wills came in to pinch hit for Tanner Robertson. Wills singled in another run to give the Lady Hurricanes a 4-0 lead.

GSW added three more runs to complete the win. The run production was more than enough for starting pitcher Shannon Gibson to work with. Gibson picked up her ninth win of the season. She gave up one hit and struck out three YHC batters.

In Game 2, GSW infielder Sarah Beth King drove in two RBIs on a double to right field in the top of the first inning to give the Lady Hurricanes a 2-0 lead. Lauren Kuerzi would later drive in GSW’s third run to increase their lead to 3-0.

However, the Lady Mountain Lions responded by scoring a run in the second and two runs in the fifth inning to tie the game at 3-3.

In the top of the seventh inning, GSW infielder Kayla Kerr doubled to left center, putting a runner in scoring position with two outs. Hayley Tierce was hit by a pitch, putting runners at first and second with two outs. This set the stage for King to come to the plate and drive in the go-ahead run. Unfortunately for GSW, King struck out swinging to end the threat.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Lady Mountain Lions had a man on base. Jill Torres hit a double to left field, putting YHC in a position to win Game 2. Haylie Shope then drove in the winning run on an RBI single to give YHC the 4-3 victory in Game 2.

The Lady Hurricanes are now 23-19 overall and 7-5 in Peach Belt Conference play.

They will step out of conference play when they travel to Franklin Springs, GA for a doubleheader against Emmanuel College on Wednesday, April 10. Game 1 is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., followed by Game 2 at 4 p.m.