The No. 8-ranked Georgia Gwinnett College softball team extended its winning streak to eight games with a pair of victories in Friday's opening day of the Continental Athletic Conference Classic at Tyger River Park in Duncan, South Carolina.

The Grizzlies (24-5) won both games in shutouts, defeating Carolina University (North Carolina) 3-0 before collecting a 20-0 five-inning triumph against Columbia College (South Carolina).

In the day's opener, sophomore Sophie Sisk delivered a two-run single in the fifth inning to give the Grizzlies a 3-0 lead. That came after senior Makenna Talcott hit an RBI ground out to second base to plate junior Sara Roussel in the fourth inning.

That's all the offense freshman Isabelle Teems would need in tossing a one-hit shutout, with six strikeouts, to improve her record to 4-0 on the season.

"We've been waiting for that breakout performance (from Teems). She took her opportunity to shine and did a great job in the circle," said Head Coach Kat Ihlenburg.

In the nightcap, GGC's offensive bats warmed up to put a season-high 20 runs on the scoreboard. That output was supported by 22 hits. The team opened the contest by plating four runs in the first inning. The team used a five-run third inning to grab a commanding 11-0 advantage.

Freshman Casey Beaver went 3-for-4 at the plate and scored three times from the leadoff spot in the batting order. Junior Savannah Jenkins came off the bench to collect three hits and drove in four runs.

Senior Jane Hoover tallied two hits and three RBI, while sophomore Morgan McQuagge scored three runs and went 2-for-3 at the plate. Freshman Taylor Cohron registered two hits and drove in a pair of runs.

Senior Angelica Gallegos went 2-for-2 and scored twice to round out the team's strong offensive performers.

Senior pitcher Kailynn James recorded eight strikeouts and scattered four hits for the shutout that brought her seventh win of the season.
 
Coach's Corner
"The players did a really good job of passing the bat to keep the offensive production going. We also played solid defense. Our hitters did a good job of making adjustments that led to the victory in the opening game," said Head Coach Kat Ihlenburg.
 
Turning Point
The Grizzlies made necessary adjustments in their second time at the plate to score the decisive three runs in the day's opener against Carolina. Sophomore Sophie Sisk delivered a key two-run single in the fifth inning to give the team a 3-0 lead. That came after senior Makenna Talcott hit an RBI ground out during the previous inning.
 
Key Plays
Carolina Game
Bottom of Fourth
Makenna Talcott hit an infield RBI single that brought home Sara Roussel
 
Bottom of Fifth
Sophie Sisk collected a two-run single to right-center field with two outs, giving the Grizzlies a 3-0 lead
 
Columbia Game
Top of First
Sara Roussel opened the scoring with an RBI ground out to second base
Jane Hoover lined a run-scoring single to right field
Summer Hickson hit an RBI single to center field to cap a four-run frame
 
Top of Second
Sara Roussel collected a run-scoring single to bring home Angelica Gallegos
 
Top of Third
Haley Robinson tallied a run-scoring single to right field, starting a five-run inning
Savannah Jenkins hit an RBI single
Taylor Cohron brought home a pair of runs with a double to left-center field
Jane Hoover hit an RBI ground out to give the Grizzlies an 11-0 lead
 
Inside The Numbers

• GGC tallied 30 hits across Friday's action, with 22 hits coming against Columbia
• Sophomore Morgan McQuagge successfully stole four bases in Friday's nightcap
• Pitchers Isabelle Teems and Kailynn James combined to strike out 14 batters in tossing a pair of complete-game shutouts
• Junior Savannah Jenkins went 3-for-3, with four RBI, and two runs scored against Columbia

News & Notes

• GGC improves to 24-5 this spring; Carolina stands 16-11 on the season; Columbia is 15-19 in 2025
• The Grizzlies were ranked No. 8 in the latest NAIA Top 25 poll
• Friday's game marked GGC's first contest against Carolina, while the team has won four of the five meetings with Columbia
• Georgia Gwinnett College and Carolina are members of the Continental Athletic Conference

Up Next
Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to play Florida National University and Haskell Indian Nations University (Kansas) at the CAC Classic on Saturday, March 29, in Duncan, South Carolina, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.