For the third consecutive season, the Georgia Gwinnett College Grizzlies are the Association of Independent Institutions' softball tournament champions after defeating Edward Waters College (Fla.) 9-0 in six innings on Saturday at the Grizzly Softball Complex.

The top-seeded Grizzlies (39-14) outscored their three tournament opponents by a 28-to-1 margin, including two wins over the Tigers, to capture the title.

GGC advances to play in the NAIA tournament's Opening Round, which it will host May 13-15. Pairing for all 10 Opening Round sites will be announced Tuesday, May 7.

Georgia Gwinnett College scored three unearned runs in the first inning to grab a quick lead. Freshman Sydney Pelaez drove in a pair of runs to spark the early offense.

The lead grew to 5-0 one inning later following a RBI double from junior Sydney Willhite. The team added four runs in the sixth inning to secure the victory. Senior Tori Robinson connected on a home run, while senior Crystal Busbee and sophomore Madison Martin added base hits to score runs.

Junior RaeQuinn Rossetti was named the 2019 A.I.I. Championship Most Outstanding Player after going 3-for-4, with two runs and four steals, in Saturday's victory. She went 7-for-11 at the top of GGC's lineup during the tournament.

Senior pitcher Taylor Hansis picked up her third win of the tournament, striking out six Tigers in Saturday's complete-game victory. Hansis joined Willhite and Busbee on the A.I.I. all-tournament team.


 
Coach's Corner
"Our defense was spotless throughout the tournament. Taylor took her game to another level this week. We had a game plan coming in, but she wanted to finish this game. I love that confidence coming from a senior. She knows what is on the line at this time of the year," said Head Coach Kat Ihlenburg.
 
Turning Point
For the third straight postseason game, the Grizzlies scored three runs in the first inning. An error on a throw to first base following a wild pitch on a third strike allowed the first run to score. Freshman Sydney Pelaez followed with a two-run single to give GGC a 3-0 lead.
           
Key Plays
Top of First
Sydney Pelaez hit a two-run single to give the Grizzlies a 3-0 lead
 
Top of Second
Crystal Busbee brought home Aubree Cox with a sacrifice fly
Sydney Willhite hit a RBI double to score RaeQuinn Rossetti
 
Top of Sixth
Tori Robinson led off the frame with a home run to left field
Crystal Busbee hit a run-scoring double to bring home Lea McFadden
Piper Wagner drew a walk to give the Grizzlies an 8-0 advantage
Madison Martin capped the four-run inning with a RBI single
 
Inside The Numbers

• The Grizzlies had 12 hits in the victory
• GGC outscored its three opponents by a 28-to-1 margin to capture the title
• Junior RaeQuinn Rossetti went 3-for-4, scored two runs and had four stolen bases for the Grizzlies
• Senior Taylor Hansis picked up her third pitching victory of the tournament, with a complete-game performance; she was the 2019 A.I.I. Pitcher of the Year
• GGC scored three runs in the first inning in all three tournament games

News & Notes

• GGC improves to 39-14 on the season; Edward Waters falls to 13-19
• Georgia Gwinnett College was the top seed in the double-elimination tournament; Edward Waters stood as the No. 3 seed
• The Grizzlies are ranked No. 9 in the latest NAIA Top 25 poll
• The team won its third consecutive A.I.I. Softball Championship title
• Junior RaeQuinn Rossetti was named the A.I.I. Most Outstanding Player after going 7-for-11 at the plate for the Grizzlies

Up Next
Georgia Gwinnett College is hosting one of 10 NAIA Opening Round sites May 13-15 at the Grizzly Softball Complex. The NAIA will announce the national field Tuesday, May 7.