The top-seeded Georgia Gwinnett College softball team scored runs in multiple innings to pick up a 5-1 victory over No. 4 seed Thomas University (Georgia) in Monday's opening day of the NAIA Opening Round Lawrenceville Bracket at the Grizzly Softball Complex.

The triumph advanced the Grizzlies (44-8) into the winner's bracket and a game against No. 2 seed St. Thomas University (Florida) on Tuesday, May 13, beginning at 2:30 p.m. The Bobcats defeated No. 3 seed Evangel University (Missouri) 3-2 in 10 innings in the second game of a busy first day that evaded rain showers throughout the region.

OPENING ROUND CENTRAL

The tournament hosts used a three-run fourth inning to build a 5-0 advantage against Thomas, which had defeated No. 5 seed Johnson University (Tennessee) 3-1 in Monday's first game. Junior Savannah Jenkins lined a two-run double off the left field wall before a bases-loaded walk to senior Angelica Gallegos capped the productive frame.

GGC grabbed a 1-0 lead in the second inning following a bases-loaded infield single with two outs from freshman Casey Beaver. An inning later, Gallegos reached on a fielder's choice – again with the bases loaded – to score Jenkins and double the team's lead.

Senior starting pitcher Kailynn James scattered six hits across six innings to pick up the victory, improving her season record to 16-3. The right hander recorded four strikeouts. Senior Annalise Jarvis struck out all three batters she faced in tossing a scoreless seventh inning in a relief appearance.

Jenkins paced GGC's seven-hit offensive attack, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and scoring twice. Gallegos drove in a pair of runs.

 

VIDEO HIGHLIGHT: Savannah Jenkins lined a two-run double with two outs to spark a three-run fourth inning in GGC's 5-1 win over Thomas (Ga.) to begin the NAIA Opening Round Lawrenceville Bracket.#ClawsOut | #PumpingOutChampions pic.twitter.com/ssjztyfOSq

— GGC Softball (@GGC_Softball) May 13, 2025

 
Coach's Corner
"I was happy to see the team score in multiple innings. It was good to see our productive hitters have quality at bats, especially Savannah. She's been doing really well during the last few weeks. KJ (Kailynn) and Annalise commanded the strike zone well," said Head Coach Kat Ihlenburg.
 
Turning Point
The Grizzlies scored four of their five runs with two outs in Monday's NAIA Opening Round triumph. Freshman Casey Beaver hit an infield single with the bases loaded in the second inning. That gave the team an early 1-0 lead. Junior Savannah Jenkins added a two-run double to spark a three-run fourth inning. A few batters later, senior Angelica Gallegos drew a bases-loaded walk.
 
Key Plays
Bottom of Second
Casey Beaver hit an infield single with the bases loaded and two outs to open the scoring
 
Bottom of Third
A fielder's choice on a ball hit by Angelica Gallegos scored Savannah Jenkins
 
Bottom of Fourth
Savannah Jenkins lined a two-run double off the wall in left field to give GGC a 4-0 lead
Angelica Gallegos drew a bases-loaded walk and another run
 
Inside The Numbers

• GGC outhit Thomas by a 7-6 margin
• Sophomore Sophie Sisk recorded three putouts from her right field defensive position
• Junior Savannah Jenkins went 2-for-3, had two RBI and scored twice
• Senior pitcher Kailynn James picked up her 16th win inside the circle this spring

News & Notes

• GGC improves to 44-8 on the season; Thomas stands 30-21 in 2025
• The Grizzlies were ranked No. 6 in the final regular season NAIA Top 25 poll
• The team was the top seed in the five-team Lawrenceville Bracket; Thomas stood as the No. 4 seed
• Georgia Gwinnett College is hosting the NAIA Opening Round for the ninth consecutive season

Up Next
Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to play No. 2 seed St. Thomas University (Florida) in a winner's bracket game of the NAIA Opening Round Lawrenceville Bracket on Tuesday, May 13, at the Grizzly Softball Complex, starting at 2:30 p.m.