Brenau Splits with WCU in SSAC Softball

The NAIA #16 Brenau Golden Tigers softball team hosted NAIA #12 William Carey University (Miss.) splitting the series with the Crusaders.

In game one, the Brenau offense came alive scoring eight runs in the second inning to take an early 8-0 lead. After a Crusader grand slam to cut into the Brenau lead 8-5, the Golden Tigers answered with three more runs to take the win 11-5.

The Golden Tigers pounded out 13 hits in game 1, led by Jenny Shepherd's (Martinez, Ga.) second inning homer. The junior went 2-4 with 3 RBI, while freshman Liz Schneider (Smyrna, Ga.) went 3-4 and added 2 RBIs. Tiffany Schandera (Columbus, Ga.) and Katie Cole (Tupelo, Miss.) both added 2 RBIs each to the win. Senior Anna Maness (Seagrove, N.C.) captured her 14th victory, pitching a complete game while allowing five runs on eight hits.

In game 2, the Golden Tigers failed to capitalize on their opportunities, falling 6-1. Leading hitters for Brenau were Schandera 3-4 and freshman Cheyenne Marsh (Richmond Hill, Ga.) who went 2-4. Schandera drove in the lone run for the Golden Tigers. Junior, Jenny Shepherd took the loss, allowing nine hits and six runs in six innings. Taylor Causey (Covington, Ga.) pitched one shut out inning in relief.

Coach Devon Thomas noted the contrast between the two matches: "In both games, we played good defense, but in game two, we just did not hit the ball as well and could not come up with a big hit with runners in scoring position".

The split moved Brenau to 24-12 (9-7 in the SSAC) on the season.

The Golden Tigers continue conference play on Saturday hosting NAIA #10 Belhaven University (Miss.). First pitch is at 1:00.