Softball ends season with losses to No. 1 Saints

The GCSU softball team ended its season on a disappointing note this past weekend by losing both games of a doubleheader against No. 1 North Georgia. The Saints’ undefeated and overpowering pitcher, Sarah Phillips, controlled both games.

Game 1 resulted in an 8-1 Saints victory. North Georgia got off to an early lead, scoring two runs off of sophomore pitcher Haley Burnett. In the bottom of the first, the Bobcats were able to get a runner aboard, with senior center fielder Alison Schwimer’s one-out single to left field. But the early threat was ended, as Phillips recorded outs against the next two batters.

For the next three innings, Burnett was able to hold the Saints scoreless. In the fifth, however, Burnett gave up a home run to lead off hitter Laura Voyles. Burnett was replaced by sophomore Sabrina Chandler, and the Saints scored four runs before the inning came to an end.

In the bottom of the fifth, GCSU was able to score its only run. With one out in the fifth, sophomore third baseman Jessica Solomon singled to left field and advanced to second with a groundout to first by junior shortstop Brandi Monroe. Junior second baseman Bailey Thompson came in to pinch-run for Solomon. Thompson then advanced to third on a single up the middle by junior right fielder Kati Pickowitz and was able to score on a fielding error on a ball hit by freshman catcher Kelsea Martin.

In the top of the sixth, GCSU was able to record the first out on a diving catch by center fielder Schwimer, but two hits and two throwing errors allowed North Georgia to score two unearned runs before freshman Kristi Rodriguez was brought in to record the final out of the inning. North Georgia finished with eight runs on 11 hits and recorded one error. GCSU ended with one run on five hits and committed four errors. Schwimer led GCSU with two singles in a 2-for-3 outing at the plate. Burnett took the loss. Pickowitz, Solomon and Jean- Francois each had one hit.

In the second game, the Bobcats were able to keep the score closer. Rodriguez gave up two runs in the second inning and was able to hold the Saints to those runs until the seventh inning. The Saints put together a series of hits, scoring three runs to put the game out of doubt. GCSU brought in Burnett to close the game out. Although the Bobcats were unable to generate any runs, Burnett was able to go 2-for-2 at the plate. In addition, Solomon and Pickowitz each contributed a hit to the Bobcats effort. The Bobcats completed the game with no errors after committing four in the first game.

The Bobcats ended their season with an overall record of 13-32 and 5-15 in conference play. They graduate two seniors, Schwimer and second baseman Kayla Smith.

Posted by Lauren Davidson on Apr 16 2010. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry