In game two of the Georgia Gwinnett Bracket of the NAIA Softball Championship Opening Round, the No. 2 seed and host Georgia Gwinnett Grizzlies (42-17) blanked the Golden Tigers of Brenau (29-23) with a 6-0 victory on Monday at the Grizzly Softball Complex.

"Today, we had a total team effort," stated GGC head coach Kat Ihlenburg.  "Brashante [Dareus] did a great job leading the charge with her home run in the first inning, but the entire lineup put the game away down the stretch."

Third baseman Brashante Dareus led the Grizzlies on offense, going 2-for-3 for the day.  The Freeport, Bahamas, native drove in three runs on the afternoon for the Grizzlies.  Dareus began the scoring barrage with a solo home run over the left field fence in the first inning and then drove in two more runs with a two-run double to the left field wall in the sixth.

Designated player Kodi Ricketson also contributed to the Grizzlies' six runs on the afternoon with an RBI-single in the top of the fifth for the 2-0 GGC lead while second baseman Haley Thompson increased the Grizzlies' gap to 3-0 with a solo home run to left.  

Both home runs on the afternoon were the only blasts in the first two games of the Georgia Gwinnett Bracket of the NAIA Softball Championship Opening Round.

Georgia Gwinnett's senior hurler Ashley Beyke (14-2) picked up the win, pitching a complete game shutout.  The Franklin, Tenn., native surrendered just five hits while striking out four.  Brenau's starter Jessica Rathje (20-12) received the loss, allowing six runs on 11 hits

"Scoring in three different innings showed that the team is ready for the challenges we face this week," added Ihlenburg. "Ashley and Alycia [Fields] had a great game and helped seal the victory on defense.  We look forward to playing a strong St. Xavier team tomorrow."

With the victory, Georgia Gwinnett moves on to face top-seeded St. Xavier (Ill.) on Tuesday at noon in the winner's bracket while Brenau faces Milligan (Tenn.) in an elimination game starting at 2:30 p.m.

For all the latest on Grizzly Athletics, including news, scores and features, visit GrizzlyAthletics.com.  Check out all the latest Grizzly Softball content and join the conversation by using @GGC_Softball on Twitter.