The Georgia Gwinnett College softball team scored four runs across the first two innings and held off a late-inning rally to secure a doubleheader split against Brewton-Parker Christian University (Georgia), winning the nightcap 5-3 after dropping the opener 4-0 on Wednesday at the Grizzly Softball Complex.

The Grizzlies (24-20) overcame an early 2-0 deficit by putting two runs on the scoreboard in both the first and second innings.

Senior second baseman Sara Roussel began the comeback by lining a run-scoring single to right-center field in the bottom of the opening frame. Freshman shortstop Reesie Burch was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to tie the contest, at 2-2.

Senior first baseman Savannah Jenkins gave the hosts the lead, at 3-2, with an RBI single through the left side of the infield. Roussel added a sacrifice fly later in the second inning to give the team a 4-2 advantage.

Junior third baseman Morgan McQuagge collected a run-scoring single to right field in the bottom of the sixth inning to score a key insurance run.

Brewton-Parker Christian (19-17) threatened in the top of the seventh inning when Anna Green lined an RBI double to bring the visitors within two runs, at 5-3. A single by Morgan Willingham, coupled with a fielding error, put runners at second and third base with no outs.

Freshman pitcher Tatum Helsom got out of the jam as Alyssa Usrey hit a line drive that was caught by McQuagge at third base. She tagged baserunner Dixie Justice for a key double play. Helsom then fielded a ground ball and threw to first base to secure the victory. She improved her record to 10-10 inside the circle this spring.

In the opener, Brewton-Parker Christian jumped out a 3-0 advantage in the top of the first inning. Willingham brought home the first run with a fielder's choice. Usrey collected a run-scoring single before a throwing error allowed the third run to score.

An RBI ground out by Usrey extended the lead to 4-0 in the top of the fifth inning.

Pitcher Samantha Mathews took a no-hitter into the sixth inning and finished the contest by allowing just two singles while striking out one opposing batter.

GGC junior right fielder Sophie Sisk went 2-for-3 and scored twice during the second game. Sophomore center fielder Casey Beaver joined Jenkins in collecting two hits apiece in the triumph.


 
Coach's Corner
"We played well to get one win, but we need to do a few things better to secure two wins. We have to stick with what is doing well right now. I have faith in the starters to do the job, so I was glad to see them bounce back for a better (second) game," said Head Coach Kat Ihlenburg.
 
Turning Point
Brewton-Parker Christian threatened to tie Wednesday's second game in the top of the seventh inning. After an RBI double from Anna Green trimmed GGC's lead to 5-3, the visiting Barons put the potential game-tying run in scoring position with no outs. Freshman pitcher Tatum Helsom got out of the jam as Alyssa Usrey lined into a double play executed by junior third baseman Morgan McQuagge. Helsom then got the third out to preserve the victory.
 
Key Plays
First Game
Top of First
Morgan Willingham reached on a fielder's choice to score the first run of the contest
Alyssa Usrey hit an RBI single to center field
A throwing error allowed for a third run of the frame to score
 
Top of Fifth
Alyssa Usrey added an RBI ground out to second base
 
Second Game
Top of First
Morgan Willingham collected a run-scoring single to second base
Hailey Gabrich singled down the right field line, giving the Barons an early 2-0 lead
 
Bottom of First
Sara Roussel lined a run-scoring single to right-center field
Reesie Burch was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to tie the game
 
Bottom of Second
Savannah Jenkins collected an RBI single through the left side of the infield, giving GGC a 3-2 lead
Sara Roussel hit a sacrifice fly to left field that brought home Casey Beaver
 
Bottom of Sixth
Morgan McQuagge registered an RBI single to right field
 
Top of Seventh
Anna Green lined a run-scoring double to right-center field, trimming GGC's lead to 5-3
Morgan McQuagge caught a line drive for a double play with the potential tying run in scoring position
 
Inside The Numbers

• The Grizzlies had nine of their 11 hits for the day during Wednesday's second contest
• Junior right fielder Sophie Sisk went 2-for-3 and scored twice in the second game
• The Barons recorded five stolen bases across the doubleheader
• Freshman pitcher Tatum Helsom picked up her 10th win of the season

News & Notes

• GGC now stands 24-20 on the season; Brewton-Parker Christian is now 19-17 for 2026
• The Grizzlies received votes in the latest NAIA Top 25 poll, announced by the national office on Wednesday, April 15
• Georgia Gwinnett College has won five of the six meetings all-time against Brewton-Parker Christian
• GGC is 14-8 at home this spring

Up Next
Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to travel to No. 19 College of Coastal Georgia on Friday, April 17, in Brunswick, Georgia, starting at 1 p.m.