Georgia Gwinnett College's offense, defense and pitching shined on opening day for the 2019 season as the No. 5-ranked Grizzlies swept Bryan College (Tenn.) by contrasting 20-0 and 1-0 scores Wednesday evening at the Grizzly Softball Complex.

GGC scored runs in all four innings of the opener, highlighted by pushing across seven runs in the first and third innings. Two fielding errors by the Lions allowed four unearned runs in the opening frame of the season.

Senior Elyssa Melton connected on a two-run home run in the second inning and senior Tori Robinson drove in five runs with three hits – leading the Grizzlies' 20-hit offensive attack in the first game. Senior Aubree Cox, junior RaeQuinn Rossetti, sophomore Piper Wagner and freshman Sydney Pelaez each had two hits in that game.

Meanwhile, senior pitcher Taylor Hansis struck out 10 batters and allowed just one hit in picking up the shutout victory.

The second game featured a pitcher's duel and stellar defensive play by both teams. Sophomore Holly Janco brought home the only run of the contest when she hit by a pitch, with the bases loaded, in the second inning.

Moving to the pitcher's circle, Wagner navigated safely around seven hits from Bryan to score the team's second shutout of the evening. The Grizzlies turned two double plays in the contest.

Junior Sydney Willhite had two hits, including a double, and senior Crystal Busbee lined a triple. Busbee proceeded to score the lone run of the game.
 


Coach's Corner
"We were well prepared for this opening day. For as many returning players that we have on this year's squad, we're still inexperienced at certain positions. And, as subtle as those changes are, they're still changes to the lineup. Taylor had a dominating performance in the first game. The offense was relaxed," said Head Coach Kat Ihlenburg.
 
Turning Point
Leading 1-0 in the second game, Bryan got the leadoff batter on base to begin the seventh inning. However, the GGC defense turned a double play off the bat from Kayla Hayes to secure the team's second shutout of opening day.
 
Key Plays
First Game

Bottom of First
Piper Wagner hit a run-scoring single and a fielding error allowed two others runs to score
Anya Vandersip drove in Piper Wagner to give GGC a 3-0 lead with a base hit to right field
Holly Janco hit a run-scoring single to bring home Anya Vandersip
 
Bottom of Second
Elyssa Melton connected on a two-run homer to give the Grizzlies a 9-0 advantage
 
Second Game

Bottom of Second
Holly Janco was hit by a pitch to bring home Crystal Busbee with the only run of the game
 
Top of Third
Bryan threatened by having a runner at third base with one out. However, GGC shortstop Tori Robinson threw out Allison Walker in a play at home plate, and catcher Courtney McKenzie then threw out Madison Owens at second base for the second out on the play
 
Bottom of Seventh
Robinson started another double play to seal the victory
 
Inside The Numbers

• GGC pitchers combined for 15 strikeouts across 12 innings in the doubleheader sweep
• The Grizzlies collected seven extra-base hits in the two games
• Junior Sydney Willhite had three hits for the evening, including two hits in the second game
• GGC recorded 20 hits in sweeping the doubleheader

News & Notes

• GGC stands 2-0 on the season; Bryan is 0-2 this spring
• Georgia Gwinnett College was ranked No. 5 in the NAIA Preseason Top 25 poll
• The Grizzlies are 6-1 all-time in season-opening contests
• GGC leads the all-time series with Bryan 17-1
• The Grizzlies went 35-2 at home in 2018

Up Next
Georgia Gwinnett College hosts the Grizzly Open with games against the University of Rio Grande (Ohio) and Bluefield College (Va.) on Friday, Feb. 8, and Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Grizzly Softball Complex.