Experienced Softball Battery Poised for Strong ‘25 Campaign

Four senior pitchers and two senior catchers have the Georgia Gwinnett College softball team looking to limit scoring chances for opponents during the upcoming 2025 season.

The No. 9-ranked Grizzlies feature a returning three-time NAIA All-American and former national Pitcher of the Year honoree inside the pitching circle. The staff also has two pitchers that are entering their fourth year within the program and another player who could see action in the field when not striding within the pitching circle. 

With the season opener looming on Friday, February 14, by hosting the Grizzly Open, GGCAthletics.com continues its preseason position preview series by examining the pitching staff and catching options.

Senior Annalise Jarvis anchors the pitching staff as a two-time first NAIA All-American team selection during her time in Lawrenceville. She was named the 2023 NAIA National Pitcher of the Year after striking out 300 batters and posting a 23-3 record with a 1.18 earned run average.

The right hander from Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, was just as dominant last spring with a dazzling 0.53 ERA in 36 appearances, 20 victories and six saves. Jarvis struck out 246 opposing hitters and limited others to a .162 batting average.

Jarvis was spectacular in postseason play last season, having three straight shutouts, including two victories against top-10 Eastern Oregon University that sent GGC to the NAIA World Series for the second straight season.

“Annalise is a gritty player who will let the team know that they can get on her back for wins and success. That was evident in last year’s postseason run. She just doesn’t give in to the opposition,” said Ihlenburg.

The coach added, “She has been training for this (softball success) during her whole life. She wants to be in that moment and on that big stage.”

Another veteran hurler is senior Kailynn James, who is coming off a 5-3 record in 14 appearances and 10 starts during the 2024 campaign. The right hander tossed a shutout at nationally ranked Reinhardt University (Georgia), scattering six hits in the process. James also contributes to the team as an offensive threat in the lineup, tying for the team lead with two home runs last season.

“Kailynn had a productive season for us last year and by elevating her game she could propel us even further this season,” stated Ihlenburg.

Senior Mollie Peacock enjoyed a breakout 2024 season inside the circle. The right hander made a career-high 12 appearances, matched a career high with three victories and had a career-low 2.47 ERA. Peacock was especially effective out of the bullpen last spring, tossing three scoreless innings in relief against NCAA Division II USC Beaufort and having two more scoreless frames against nationally ranked University of Mobile (Alabama).

Senior Kailyn Berry has a 24-17 record in 57 appearances for the Green and Gray during the past three seasons. She has tossed 21 complete games and four shutouts during her career. Berry made two appearances during GGC’s 2023 World Series trip, scattering five hits and allowing two runs in a complete-game victory against Baker University (Kansas). She also was the winning pitcher of the opening game of the Lawrenceville Bracket in the 2023 NAIA Opening Round.

Freshman Isabelle Teams will compete for playing time and adds quality depth to the experienced pitching staff for 2025.

The five pitchers will be blessed to have a veteran presence behind the plate in seniors Angelica Gallegos and Lindzie Owen.

Gallegos became GGC’s primary catcher last spring after the graduation of a five-year standout starter at catcher following the 2023 season. The Buford, Georgia, native started 44 games and threw out seven of 28 potential base stealers (25%).

The former third baseman has started 128 of the 136 games she has played during her career, with a .273 batting average, 17 doubles and 54 runs scored.

Owen garnered NAIA All-American accolades in 2023 as a utility player (outfielder and infielder) and provides an offensive option as designated hitter, with a .388 career batting average. The Conyers, Georgia, native has 105 stolen bases in 134 career games and drove in 39 runs while scoring 46 times in 2023. She batted .325 and had seven triples last spring.

Sophomore Katilyn Crumley and freshman Samantha Fadely will also be competing for playing time at catcher this spring.

The Grizzlies, which have posted a 77-29 mark during the past two seasons, are scheduled to open the spring slate by hosting the Grizzly Open with games against Lindsey Wilson College and the University of Rio Grande (Ohio) on February 14 at the Grizzly Softball Complex, starting at noon.