The No. 9-ranked Georgia Gwinnett College softball team put double-digit runs on the scoreboard for the first time this spring, defeating the United States Sports Academy (Alabama) 14-7 on Tuesday afternoon in Daphne, Alabama.

The Grizzlies (14-2, winner of seventh straight) scored multiple runs in each of the first three innings. Then, the visitors put the game away with a six-run seventh inning.

Sophomore Sophie Sisk lined a run-scoring single to right field to plate classmate Morgan McQuagge in the opening frame. Junior Sara Roussel added an RBI single to center field to give GGC a quick 2-0 advantage.
USSA (3-11) responded with three runs in the bottom half of the first inning.

However, GGC bounced back to regain the lead by scoring three runs of its own during the second inning. Senior Angelica Gallegos hit a two-run single to give the team a 5-3 lead.

Heather Maxwell connected on a two-run home run for the hosts in the bottom of the second inning to square the contest at 5-5 on a windy afternoon.

The Grizzlies once again had an answer in the top half of the third inning. Freshman Casey Beaver hit an infield RBI single before McQuagge brought home a pair of runs with a double to give the team an 8-5 lead.

Later, leading by one run, the visitors pulled away in the top of the seventh inning. The rally started with junior Savannah Jenkins hitting a solo home run over the left field fence. A fielding error by the Eagles allowed two additional runs to score. Sisk and Gallegos added back-to-back run-scoring hits.

McQuagge paced the team's 12-hit offensive attack by going 3-for-4, with three RBI while scoring three additional runs. Gallegos collected three RBI from two hits. Sisk also had two hits and two RBI while scoring a pair of runs. Junior Enna Lackey and Beaver rounded out the balanced offensive attack each with each having two runs scored.

Senior Kailynn James struck out eight batters across six innings to pick up the victory in relief.
 
Coach's Corner
"We're a very competitive team that's going to find a way to get the job done (winning). Our hitters supported our pitchers today. Kailynn did a good job inside the circle on a very windy day," said Head Coach Kat Ihlenburg.
 
Turning Point
The Grizzlies responded each time United States Sports Academy would gain momentum. GGC scored three times in the top of the second inning after the Eagles took a 3-2 advantage. One inning later, the visitors pushed across three more runs after USSA had tied the game at 5-5. The Grizzlies put the game away with a six-run seventh inning.
 
Key Plays
Top of First
Sophie Sisk opened the scoring with a run-scoring single to right field
Sara Roussel added an RBI single to center field, giving the Grizzlies a 2-0 lead
 
Top of Second
Morgan McQuagge tied the game, at 3-3, with a run-scoring single to center field
Angelica Gallegos drove in two runs with a single through the left side of the infield
 
Top of Third
Casey Beaver hit an infield RBI single to plate Kaitlyn Crumley for a 6-5 GGC lead
Morgan McQuagge legged out a two-run double
 
Top of Seventh
Savannah Jenkins connected on a solo home run over the left field fence
Jane Hoover hit a sacrifice fly to right field to extend the lead to 10-7
Sophie Sisk added an RBI double that brought home Morgan McQuagge
Angelica Gallegos followed with a run-scoring single to plate the team's 14th run of the contest
 
Inside The Numbers

• The Grizzlies outhit USSA by a 14-7 margin
• Sophomore Morgan McQuagge went 3-for-4 with three RBI and scored three runs
• Junior Savannah Jenkins hit her second home run of the season
• Eight different Grizzlies tallied a hit in Tuesday's road win

News & Notes

• GGC improves to 14-2 in 2025; United States Sports Academy drops to 3-11 this spring
• The Grizzlies were ranked No. 9 in the NAIA Preseason Top 25 poll
• Tuesday's meeting marked the first contest between the two colleges
• GGC extended its winning streak to seven games

Up Next
Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to travel to No. 20 University of Mobile (Alabama) for a doubleheader on Wednesday, March 5, at Mobile, Alabama, starting at noon.