The top-ranked Georgia Gwinnett College softball team connected on seven extra-base hits in sweeping a doubleheader Friday against Kentucky Christian University, winning 11-2 in five innings and 6-1 at the Grizzly Softball Complex.

GGC (21-2) was playing at home as the NAIA No. 1-ranked team for the first time in program history.

The Grizzlies got out to a fast start in the opener, getting a bases-clearing triple from junior Elyssa Melton in the second inning.

One inning later, the hosts broke the game open by taking advantage of three defensive errors and collecting five hits. Junior Tori Robinson hit a three-run triple and later scored on the play when a wild throw capped GGC's big inning.

Junior Taylor Hansis struck out nine batters over five innings to pick up the victory in the pitching circle.

In the second game, sophomore Sydney Willhite went 3-for-3 with three RBI, highlighted by a two-run home run in the fifth inning. Sophomore Anya Vandersip had two hits and scored a run in the victory.

GGC scored two runs in the first and second innings to build a 4-1 lead.

Freshman pitcher Piper Wagner allowed one unearned run in the complete-game victory.

Turning Point

GGC used a big third inning to break open the opening game of Friday's doubleheader open. The team put eight runs on the scoreboard with five hits and three errors by the Kentucky Christian defense. Four runs scored on a triple by junior Tori Robinson. The shortstop then came home on a wild throw.

Key Plays

First Game

Bottom of Second

Elyssa Melton cleared the bases with a triple to give GGC a 3-0 lead

Bottom of Third

Aubree Cox drove in Tori Robinson with a double to help account for a 4-1 lead

Tori Robinson connected on a triple to score three runs, and later scored on the play due to a throwing error; the Grizzlies enjoyed a commanding 11-1 lead

Second Game

Bottom of First

Elyssa Melton drove in Niki Cook with a RBI groundout to tie the contest, 1-1

Sydney Willhite hit a run-scoring single to give GGC a 2-1 lead

Bottom of Second

Anya Vandersip drove in Crystal Busbee with a single

Vandersip scored on a passed ball to give the hosts a 4-1 lead

Bottom of Fifth

Sydney Willhite connected on a two-run home run to cap the scoring in the game

Inside The Numbers

• GGC connected on seven extra-base hits across the two games
• The Grizzlies outhit the Crusaders 16-to-10 in the doubleheader
• The team drew nine walks, including seven base on balls in the opener
• GGC had three stolen bases in both games of the doubleheader

News & Notes

• Georgia Gwinnett College improves to 21-2 on the season; Kentucky Christian drops to 5-8
• GGC was playing its first games in program history as a nation's No. 1-ranked team
• The team has won all of its 12 games played at the Grizzly Softball Complex this spring
• GGC has won all three meetings with Kentucky Christian this season, also earning a 4-2 victory at the Reinhardt Invitational Feb. 23

Up Next

Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to conclude the four-game series with Kentucky Christian with a doubleheader Saturday, March 17, starting at noon.