Deep Softball Infield Unit Looking to Make Mark This Spring

The 2024 Georgia Gwinnett College softball team may only return one starting infielder from last season, but there’s a deep stable of quality and talented players ready to help the Grizzlies be among the nation’s top NAIA teams and contending for another World Series trip.

The challenges begin Friday, February 9, with single games against Lindsey Wilson College (Kentucky) and Taylor University (Indiana). 

GGCAthletics.com concludes its preseason softball position previews by examining the players who may lack starting experience wearing the Green and Gray but are familiar with the high expectations and pressure-packed situations that go with playing across the infield.

“We have a lot of players who understand what it takes to compete at the highest level,” said Head Coach Kat Ihlenburg as she looked ahead to the new season.

GGC’s lone returning starter is sophomore shortstop Summer Hickson, who scored 20 runs in 41 games (31 starts) and hit a monumental home run at the 2023 World Series – among two round trippers in her inaugural collegiate season.

Meanwhile, this spring marks the GGC debuts for junior Haley Robinson and freshman Morgan McQuagge, who redshirted in 2023. Robinson played previously at Georgia Highlands College after helping lead nearby Parkview High School to a region championship. McQuagge earned all-state honors at Hillgrove High School and was a member of two Elite 8 teams.

“Haley and Morgan experienced the World Series from our dugout, and they’ve been highly motivated to be on the field at this year’s series. The thousands of reps that Summer, Haley and Morgan got last year, in fall practice, and during preseason have allowed them to anticipate what and where each one will be in the dirt,” said Ihlenburg.

Junior Lindzie Owen brings versatility as well as defensive and offensive production to wherever she plays. The Conyers, Georgia, native has been at both positions on the left side of the diamond, while also being behind the plate. She may also be called upon to play in the outfield this season.

Owen was a first NAIA All-America team selection as a utility player after leading the Grizzlies with a .454 batting average. She ranked second nationally with 56 stolen bases (in 57 attempts).

Jane Hoover returns for her third season on the Grizzly Softball Complex diamond. The Simi Valley, California, native has started 61 games over the last two years at different infield positions while having offensive highs with 26 hits, 23 runs, and two homers during the 2022 campaign.

Junior Angelica Gallegos shined at third base defensively for GGC at the World Series. The Buford, Georgia, native also adds depth to the catching position. Gallegos has appeared in 90 contests, including 84 starts in her two seasons in Lawrenceville. She was the 2022 Continental Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year after driving in 30 runs and scoring an additional 35 runs while batting .325 that spring.

Newcomers competing for playing time across the infield this spring are junior Kailynn James, at first base when not hurling innings inside the pitching circle; junior Makenna Talcott, a transfer from Midway University (Kentucky); and freshman Gianna Moran, who batted more than .400 during her high school career in South Carolina.