Box Score

GULF SHORES, Ala. - The Grizzly Softball team didn't get out to the start it would've liked at the Gulf Coast Invitational on Friday as the team fell in a pair of tight contests to close out the opening day of the event at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex.

The day's first game proved to be a back-and-forth affair with Freed-Hardeman, but a four-run ninth inning was the difference as GGC fell 11-7, marking the second time the team had dropped an extra-inning game this season. Thomas, which took home an extra innings win over the Grizzlies last month, picked up a 5-3 victory in the nightcap as GGC fell to 9-6 on the season.

GGC actually held an early lead vs. Thomas, getting started with a three-run first, but the Nighthawks gradually chipped away, ultimately pushing three across in the fifth to grab the 5-3 advantage.

Ashley Beyke and Katie Lange both started in the circle for the Grizzlies, with the latter being pegged with the Thomas loss. Kayla Byrom came on in relief in each game.

The Green and Gray will return to pool play action on Saturday, beginning with a match against Spring Hill and concluding with Benedictine. The event will continue Sunday with bracket play.