The Georgia Gwinnett College softball team left runners on the base paths in potential game-tying situations during the last two innings of a 3-2 series-opening loss to NCAA Division II USC Beaufort on Friday evening on Military & First Responders Appreciation Day at the Grizzly Softball Complex.

The Grizzlies (22-10), ranked No. 9 in the latest NAIA Top 25 poll, scored a run in the fourth and fifth innings to rally from an early 3-0 deficit.

A throwing error by the Sand Sharks (16-19) allowed junior Lindzie Owen to score the Grizzlies' first run of the contest. One inning later, freshman Sophie Sisk hit a sacrifice fly to right field that brought home junior Makenna Talcott to bring the hosts one run closer at 3-2.

Both of the Grizzlies' runs came following leadoff walks in the inning.

In the sixth inning, junior pinch runner Enna Lackey advanced to third base on an infield single from Talcott with two outs. USC Beaufort left-handed pitcher Cierra Kinlaw got a ground ball to the circle to end the tying threat.

Sisk then lined a two-out single to left field in the bottom of the seventh inning. However, Kinlaw got a flyout to secure the complete-game victory and win the opener of the three-game weekend series.

The visitors pushed across two runs in the first inning without the ball ever leaving the infield. Saria Simmons was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded before Jaci Coleman scored an unearned run following a passed ball.

Chloe Turner gave USC Beaufort a 3-0 lead in the third inning with a sacrifice fly to center field.

GGC's annual Military & First Responders Appreciation Day game recognized local personnel during pregame festivities and in between each half inning.

"This recognition goes beyond the game. We have the ability to play this great game and are safe because of the men and women who serve our great country. Being able to play far exceeds the outcome, win or lose," said Head Coach Kat Ihlenburg, whose father-in-law, John Ihlenburg, is a retired United States Navy commander and now a member of the program's coaching staff.
  "It was a good effort to come back after falling behind in the first inning. We were just a hit short of a great comeback. I thought it was a great team effort," said Head Coach Kat Ihlenburg.
  The Grizzlies threatened a last-inning rally to tie and possibly take the lead in the opening game of the weekend series. After falling behind 3-0 in the third inning, the hosts pushed across a run in the fourth and fifth innings to get within a run, at 3-2. Then, in the sixth inning GGC had runners on third and first bases with two outs. USC Beaufort pitcher Cierra Kinlaw got a groundout to get out of the jam.
  Top of First
Saria Simmons was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded that opened the scoring
Jaci Coleman scored following a passed ball
 
Top of Third
Chloe Turner hit a sacrifice fly to center field that gave the Sand Sharks a 3-0 lead
 
Bottom of Fourth
Lindzie Owen scored following a throwing error to third base that trimmed the deficit to 3-1
 
Bottom of Fifth
Sophie Sisk hit a sacrifice fly to right field that scored Makenna Talcott
 

• USC Beaufort outhit the Grizzlies by a 6-5 margin
• Sophomore Summer Hickson recorded three assists from second base
• Junior Lindzie Owen successfully stole her 32nd base of the season
• Junior pitcher Annalise Jarvis struck out five batters across four scoreless innings in relief

• GGC stands 22-10 in 2024; USC Beaufort improves to 16-19 on the season
• The Grizzlies were ranked No. 9 in the latest NAIA Top 25 poll on Wednesday; USC Beaufort competes at the NCAA Division II collegiate ranks
• Georgia Gwinnett College has a 19-11 record in the all-time series history
• The softball program honored local military and first responders throughout the annual Military & First Responders Appreciation Day

Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to host a doubleheader to conclude the weekend series against USC Beaufort on Saturday, April 6, at the Grizzly Softball Complex, starting at noon.