The Georgia Gwinnett College softball team matched its deepest postseason run in program history with a semifinal finish at the 2025 NAIA World Series, losing to Southern Oregon University 3-0 in a contest that resumed Wednesday morning in Columbus, Georgia, after being interrupted by inclement weather.

The difference between the tournament's No. 2 (GGC) and No. 3 (SOU) seeded teams was a three-run home run by Kennedy Kila in the top of the sixth inning and a 12-strikeout performance by pitcher Ayla Davies. She allowed just three hits in the complete-game shutout.

GGC senior pitcher Annalise Jarvis matched her counterpart pitch for pitch by scattering three hits across the first five innings.

The Grizzlies (47-10) nearly broke through in the bottom of the fifth inning as two opposing errors placed runners at second and third bases with two outs in a scoreless contest. Davies proceeded to get out of the jam with a strikeout.

Southern Oregon (52-9) rode the positive momentum into the sixth inning with two infield singles to third base before Kila hit the round tripper over the left-center field fence with one out in the frame.

GGC threatened again in the bottom of the sixth inning after sophomore Sophie Sisk singled and a walk to junior pinch hitter Enna Lackey brought the tying run to the plate. However, Davies got a ground out to once again keep GGC off the scoreboard.

This year's team won a pair of games at the World Series for third time in its five overall trips, and this was the third straight appearance in Columbus. The 2025 squad matched the 2019 team with a semifinal round finish.
 
Coach's Corner
"This team accomplished the goals that they set for themselves. It just so happens it was a moment short of the national title. Matching the performance by the 2019 team, which also had a lot of veterans, is a great feat. The 2025 team was a great group of players who did everything for each other. They (Southern Oregon) got the one big hit, and we didn't when we had our chances," said Head Coach Kat Ihlenburg.
 
Turning Point
The Grizzlies were unable to produce a two-out hit with runners at second and third bases in the bottom of the fifth inning of a scoreless pitcher's duel. The momentum shift paved the way for Southern Oregon getting on the scoreboard in the next half inning on a three-run homer from Kennedy Kila.
 
Key Plays
Top of Sixth
Kennedy Kila connected on a three-run home run to left-center field, giving the Raiders a 3-0 lead
 
Inside The Numbers

• Southern Oregon outhit the Grizzlies by a 6-3 margin
• Georgia Gwinnett College's defense recorded 12 fly outs in the contest
• GGC stranded six base runners in Tuesday's game
• Junior Sara Roussel legged out a double as part of a 1-for-2 hitting performance

News & Notes

• GGC concluded the 2025 season with a 47-10 record; Southern Oregon improves to 52-9 on the season
• The Grizzlies were ranked No. 6 in the final regular season NAIA Top 25 poll; Southern Oregon stood No. 4 in the same poll
• GGC was the No. 2 seed in the 2025 NAIA World Series bracket; Southern Oregon stood as the No. 3 seed
• Tuesday's meeting marked the second game played between the two colleges at the World Series