The Georgia Gwinnett College softball program honored local military and first responders before collecting a pair of convincing wins against Bacone College (Oklahoma) by 8-0 and 11-3 scores Saturday afternoon at the Grizzly Softball Complex.

The Grizzlies (18-5) tallied 11 hits in each contest during Military and First Responders Appreciation Day.

Back-to-back run-scoring singles from sophomore Lindzie Owen and senior Lea McFadden opened the day's scoring in the first inning. The hosts later plated three runs in the fourth and fifth innings to complete the victory.

Senior Sydney Pelaez hit an RBI single before freshman Madison Rodgers lined a two-run single to right field during the fourth inning.

Junior Kloey Goins brought home a pair of runs with a double one inning later before classmate Kendall Parks traded spots on second base with Goins following a run-scoring double of her own.

Senior starting pitcher Alexa Good tossed a one-hit shutout to improve to 6-1 on the season.

In the second game, the Grizzlies pushed across five runs in the first inning after Bacone (3-11) grabbed a quick 3-0 lead. Four of the five runs for GGC were unearned after the Warriors committed three errors in the inning.

The team added two more runs in the third frame before plating three runs during the fourth inning to build a commanding 10-3 advantage.

Sophomore pitcher Mollie Peacock retired nine straight batters throughout the middle innings after allowing the early runs. The right hander picked up her first victory of the season.

Owen paced the Grizzlies' offensive attack on Saturday by going 5-for-7 and having two stolen bases. Rodgers also went 5-for-7 at the plate across the doubleheader sweep with five RBI.


  "We're a dynamic team. We have several players who can contribute and that goes a long way during the season. Military and First Responders Appreciation Day is always a special occasion for our program and (assistant coach) John (Ihlenburg, a military veteran). It's important that our players understand that the game is part of a bigger picture in life. John served our country and is always willing to go the extra mile for others who he doesn't know. He's an inspiration to our players and program," said Head Coach Kat Ihlenburg.
  The Grizzlies outscored Bacone by a 44-3 margin in the four-game weekend sweep, with three shutouts. Four different pitchers collected a victory for the team during the series. On Saturday, senior Alexa Good tossed a one-hit shutout in the opener. Then, sophomore Mollie Peacock retired nine straight batters during the middle innings of her starting assignment in the series finale.
  First Game
Bottom of First
Lindzie Owen opened the scoring with an RBI single to right-center field
Lea McFadden legged out a run-scoring double
 
Bottom of Fourth
Sydney Pelaez hit a run-scoring single that brought home Kloey Goins
Madison Rodgers added a two-run single to right field
 
Bottom of Fifth
Kloey Goins brought home a pair of runs with a double
Kendall Parks lined an RBI double down the left-field line
 
Second Game
Bottom of First
Lindzie Owen hit a run-scoring single to bring the Grizzlies within two runs, 3-1
Josie Haulk reached on a fielding error that allowed the tying run to score
Enna Lackey drew a bases-loaded walk to cap a five-run frame
 
Bottom of Third
Madison Rodgers hit an RBI single to bring home Enna Lackey
Lindzie Owen added a run-scoring single to give GGC a 7-3 lead
 
Bottom of Sixth
Sydney Pelaez hit a run-scoring single up the middle to bring home Kayla Good
 

• The Grizzlies recorded 11 hits in both games on Saturday
• Freshman Madison Rodgers went 5-for-7 with four RBI and two runs scored in the doubleheader
• Sophomore Lindzie Owen drove in three runs and went 3-for-4 in the second game
• Bacone committed seven errors on Saturday

• GGC improves to 18-5 this spring; Bacone drops to 3-11 on the season
• The Grizzlies were ranked No. 11 in the NAIA Top 25 poll
• GGC is 14-5 at the Grizzly Softball Complex so far in 2023
• Georgia Gwinnett College Office of Athletics honored local military and first responders on the field during pregame festivities

Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to host Truett-McConnell University (Georgia) on Thursday, March 16, at the Grizzly Softball Complex, starting at 4 p.m.