With pitching playing a key element to softball, Georgia Gwinnett College may have the best 1-2 punch in NAIA with two returning All-Americans in the circle as the Grizzlies strive this spring to remain among the nation's best teams.

Record-setting senior Taylor Hansis and sophomore Piper Wagner contributed to 44 of GGC's program-best 53 games during a 2018 season, and helped last year's pitching staff set a single-season school record with a 1.45 earned run average.

Those pitching performances paced the 2018 team to a season featuring the first NAIA World Series appearance and No. 1 NAIA ranking in program history.

"I like this year's team experience. There are not many situations that the returning players have yet to see on the diamond," said Head Coach Kat Ihlenburg, who has amassed over 200 wins as the program's only coach in seven seasons.

Hansis set school records for wins (25-4 record), starts (29), complete games (23) and strikeouts (175), while also having a 1.54 ERA and 10 shutouts in 2018. The Longs, S.C., native also tossed a no-hitter as GGC won the Association of Independent Institutions tournament championship. She has been the A.I.I.'s Pitcher of the Year in 2018 and 2017.

Hansis already tops Georgia Gwinnett College's career record for strikeouts (382) and ranks second in wins (49), innings pitched (389.1) and four other categories. Opposing hitters have a .197 batting average with her in the circle.

"Taylor has grown in each of her seasons here. I am not asking her to rewrite our record book, but consistency is the key," said Ihlenburg.

Wagner had an impressive collegiate debut season, winning her first 19 decisions (19-1 record) and compiled a school-record 1.24 ERA last spring. She finished 16 of her 19 starts and came in to register one save. The native of Marietta, Ga., pitched a complete game as GGC defeated Oregon Tech in the championship game of last season's NAIA Opening Round.

Meanwhile, junior Jordin Englar went 5-0 in the pitching circle and made nine appearances with a 1.75 ERA in 2018. She recorded 17 strikeouts and only allowed three walks in 36 innings. Freshman Alexa Good adds depth and will compete for innings this spring.

"The season is too long and strenuous for one pitcher to carry the staff. Jordin and Alexa will see time in the pitching rotation this spring," stated Ihlenburg.

The 2019 season is scheduled to get underway Feb. 6 with a home doubleheader against Bryan College (Tenn.) at the Grizzly Softball Complex. The team's entire 2019 schedule is available HERE.