The Georgia Gwinnett College softball team is reaping the benefits of a strong spring season by enjoying a first-round bye in the 2018 Association of Independent Institutions' Baseball Championship Tournament, May 5-7 at the Grizzly Baseball Complex.

Playing as the visiting team on the scoreboard, the Grizzlies (48-3) took an early 1-0 lead as a single by junior Tori Robinson drove home RaeQuinn Rossetti. Edward Waters (18-22) tied the contest, 1-1, in the first inning on a RBI ground out from Ashley Combast.

Then, GGC broke the game open behind a six-run third inning. A three-run home run by junior Brianna Fickes gave the tournament hosts a 5-1 advantage. A two-run double from freshman Holly Janco capped the big frame.

Georgia Gwinnett College added two runs in the top of the fourth inning to support freshman pitcher Piper Wagner, who scattered two hits in earning the complete-game victory.

The Grizzlies outhit the Tigers 9-to-2 in the contest with senior Niki Cook and junior Elyssa Melton each contributing two hits. Junior Tori Robinson drove in a pair of runs in the victory.

Georgia Gwinnett College will play No. 3-seeded Talladega College (23-21) in the championship round Saturday, May 5, at noon. A second game will be needed if the Tornadoes are victorious. GGC defeated Talladega four times during the regular season.

Talladega (Ala.) fought off a pair of elimination games Friday, defeating No. 4-seeded Crowley's Ridge College (Ark.) 5-2 and beating Edward Waters 12-4 in five innings.

Turning Point

Junior Brianna Fickes delivered a big blow with a three-run home run during a six-run third inning. GGC opened the inning with an infield single from senior Niki Cook. Leading 2-1 with runners at second and third, Fickes' big blast extended the lead to 5-1.

Key Plays

Top of First

Tori Robinson drove home RaeQuinn Rossetti with a run-scoring single to left field

Top of Third

Elyssa Melton hit a RBI single to score Niki Cook to give GGC a 2-1 lead

Brianna Fickes connected on a three-run home run over the left-center field fence

Holly Janco capped the team's six-run inning with a two-run double

Inside The Numbers

• GGC outhit Edward Waters 9-to-2 in the victory
• Brianna Fickes' home run was the first round-trip hit for GGC at the A.I.I. Softball Championships
• The Grizzlies drew five walks in the contest
• Niki Cook and Elyssa Melton each collected two hits for the Grizzlies

News & Notes

• Georgia Gwinnett College improves to 48-3 on the season; Edward Waters ended the 2018 season 18-23
• GGC is the unanimous No. 1-ranked team in the NAIA Top 25 poll
• The Grizzlies are 31-1 at the Grizzly Softball Complex in 2018
• GGC faces Talladega for the fifth time this spring, winning the prior four meetings; all of those games have come since April 7

Up Next

Georgia Gwinnett College plays No. 3-seeded Talladega College (Ala.) in the championship round of the 2018 A.I.I. Softball Championship Tournament. The Grizzlies need one victory to capture the title, while the Tornadoes must defeat the tournament hosts twice to be the tournament champion.