The 13th-ranked Georgia Gwinnett softball team used a combined 31 runs to sweep West Virginia Tech, 22-0, and Montreat (N.C.), 9-1, on Sunday in the final day of the Grizzly Classic to record its seventh and eighth wins of the 2017 season.
"Our pitchers had very productive outings today and kept our opponents' hitters off balance, allowing our offense a chance to be productive," stated GGC head coach Kat Ihlenburg. "Anya [Vandersip] did a wonderful job pacing our offense. We grew a lot this weekend, and I look forward to our progression and the continued process."
Georgia Gwinnett (8-2) overpowered WVU Tech in game one of Sunday's action to defeat the Golden Bears 22-0 in a five-inning, run-rule victory.
During the contest, the Grizzlies' offense exploded for nine runs in the second inning, eight in third, and five in the fourth. GGC was led by designated player Anya Vandersip at the plate. The freshman from San Diego, Calif., went 3-for-5 at the plate, driving in three runs. First baseman Hailey Burnham, catcher Courtney McKenzie, and pinch hitter Chelsi Palazzo also drove in three runs apiece in the contest.
In the victory, GGC's starting pitcher Taylor Hansis (3-1) surrendered just one hit in the five-inning contest, striking out four Golden Bears while facing the minimum (15).
In game two, the Grizzlies defeated Montreat 9-1 in five innings.
Georgia Gwinnett received another dominant performance at the plate by Vandersip as the catcher went 3-for-4, driving in three runs in the contest. Shortstop Brashante Dareus had a quality showing at the plate as well, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs.
Senior Katie Jo Goodwin (3-0) went the distance for the Grizzlies, recording the complete-game victory. The right-handed Stockbridge, Ga., native surrendered just one earned run on two hits while striking out a season-high five batters. Montreat's Ronnie Ellis received the loss, surrendering nine runs on 14 hits.
Next up, the Grizzlies travel to Waleska, Ga., on Friday, Feb. 24 to compete in the Reinhardt Invitational. During the three-day, round-robin style tournament, Georgia Gwinnett will face Kentucky Christian, Point (Ga.), No. 16 Reinhardt (Ga.), and Brescia (Ky.).
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