The Georgia Gwinnett College softball team lost a battle of inches to suffer its first setback in the NAIA World Series, 4-1 to the University of Science & Arts (Okla.) in a Monday matchup of top-seeded teams in this year's tournament.

The No. 4-seeded Science & Arts broke a 1-1 battle when Chloe Clifton's bases-loaded double to the warning track in left-center field, with two outs, brought home three runs to give the Drovers a 4-1 lead.

The Grizzlies, the No. 1 seed, threatened that advantage in the top of the seventh inning following a lengthy rain delay. Sophomore RaeQuinn Rossetti came to the plate as the potential tying run, with two outs, following a walk by sophomore pinch hitter Anya Vandersip and a single by senior Niki Cook. However, the game ended when it was ruled that Rossetti had struck an illegally batted ball.

The Drovers broke a scoreless pitcher's duel when Randa Hatter hit her 17th home run of the season. The solo blast gave the Oklahoma team a 1-0 lead in the second inning.

GGC (53-5) quickly tied the game, 1-1, in the third inning when a sacrifice fly from junior Tori Robinson allowed Cook to score.

Science & Arts' Emily Cerny proved to be a difficult challenge for the Grizzlies the rest of the way. She lived up to her reputation as one of the nation's top pitchers, allowing two hits and striking out seven opposing hitters in winning her 32nd game of the season.

Turning Point

With the bases loaded in the bottom of the fifth inning, Science & Arts regained the lead when three runs were scored with two outs. Chloe Clifton hit a fly ball to the warning track in left-center field. The double cleared the bases and gave Science & Arts a 4-1 lead that stood up the rest of the way.

Key Plays

Bottom of Second

Randa Hatter connected on a solo home run to open the scoring for Science & Arts (Okla.)

Top of Third

Tori Robinson hit a sacrifice fly to left field that scored Niki Cook to tie the contest, 1-1

Bottom of Fifth

Chloe Clifton drove in three runs with a double to deep left-center field as Science & Arts regained the lead

Inside The Numbers

• Science & Arts outhit GGC 8-to-2 in the game
• The Grizzlies drew five walks
• Randa Hatter and Caitlin Hall each recorded two hits for the Drovers

News & Notes

• Georgia Gwinnett College falls to 53-5 on the season; Science & Arts improves to 55-5
• GGC is making its first appearance in the NAIA World Series
• Monday's meeting marked the first contest played between the two colleges
• GGC was the unanimous No. 1-ranked team in the final NAIA Top 25 poll of the regular season; Science & Arts was ranked No. 5 in the final NAIA Top 25 poll

Up Next

Georgia Gwinnett College plays No. 2-seeded Oklahoma City University Tuesday, May 29, at 10 a.m. in an elimination game.