Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

Putting runs on the scoreboard in nearly every inning, the No. 1-ranked Georgia Gwinnett College softball team extended its winning streak to eight games Friday with a doubleheader sweep against Montreat College (N.C.) on Senior Day at the Grizzly Softball Complex.

The Grizzlies scored multiple runs in three of the five innings to win the first game 9-1. Then, the team spread runs across five of the six innings for a 9-2 triumph in the nightcap.

Along the way, GGC (27-2) took advantage of six defensive errors by the Cavaliers, 13 walks and 17 stolen bases in the doubleheader sweep. The team set a single-game school record with 10 steals in the nightcap.

All eight victories in the winning streak have come at the Grizzly Softball Complex – where the team is 18-0 at home this spring.

Senior Niki Cook collected a pair of hits in both games and successfully stole four bases on the night that she was honored as the lone senior in the GGC softball program this spring.

Other players shining were junior Aubree Cox, who went 3-for-3 with a run scored and one RBI in the opener. She added a run-scoring single and scored an additional run in the second game.

In the pitching circle, junior Taylor Hansis improved to 12-1 by posting a six-strikeout complete-game performance in the opener. Freshman Piper Wagner tossed six innings to pick up the victory in the nightcap. Sophomore Alexis Eisenberg pitched a scoreless seventh inning to seal the second victory of the day.

Turning Point

Georgia Gwinnett College fed off the pregame energy of Senior Day and jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning of the opening game. Infield singles by senior Niki Cook and sophomore RaeQuinn Rossetti started the big frame. Both base runners advanced into scoring position by stealing bases. Junior Elyssa Melton lined a triple to give the Grizzlies a 2-0 lead. GGC sent 10 batters to the plate in the first inning.

Key Plays

First Game

Bottom of First

Elyssa Melton opened the scoring with a two-run triple

Tori Robinson brought home Elyssa Melton with a sacrifice fly

Aubree Cox connected on a RBI double to give GGC a 4-0 lead

 

Bottom of Third

Aubree Cox hit a run-scoring single through the right side to score Tori Robinson

Anya Vandersip gave the Grizzlies a 6-1 lead with a sacrifice fly

 

Second Game

Bottom of First

Brianna Fickes drove home Niki Cook with a single up the middle

 

Bottom of Third

Tori Robinson hit a sacrifice fly and a fielding error on the play scored two runs, giving GGC a 3-0 advantage

Aubree Cox singled through the right side to score Tori Robinson

 

Inside The Numbers

• GGC recorded 17 stolen bases in the doubleheader, including a school record 10 steals in the nightcap
• The Grizzlies tallied 18 hits in the two games
• Aubree Cox went 5-for-7 with two runs scored and two RBI in the doubleheader
• GGC drew 13 walks and had a combined three sacrifice hits or fly outs

News & Notes

• Georgia Gwinnett College improves to 27-2 on the season; Montreat drops to 10-18 this spring
• GGC is ranked No. 1 in the NAIA Top 25 poll
• The Grizzlies have won eight straight games – all on their home diamond
• GGC has outscored its opponents 70-11 during the winning streak, with four of the eight games ending after five innings because of the run-advantage rule
• GGC is 18-0 at the Grizzly Softball Complex this spring
• The Grizzlies have outscored the opposition 83-5 in the third inning of games in 2018

Up Next

Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to travel to No. 17-ranked University of South Carolina Beaufort Sunday, March 25, with a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.