Softball Splits With Bryan

The Brenau softball team split their fifth straight series as the Golden Tigers lost the opening game against Bryan (Tenn.) College 1-0, but closed the doubleheader with a 6-0 win on Tuesday in Dayton, Tenn.

In game one, both teams struggled to find their offense as both starting pitchers dominated the game.

In the top of the second, the Brenau offense threatened as Courtney Kenney and Cheyenne Marsh both reached on a walk, then advanced to second and third on a Landon Farrow sacrifice. However, the Golden Tigers were unable to score any runs after a groundout ended the inning.

In the top of the fifth Brenau threatened again as Allison Gunn reached on a bunt, the advanced to second on a wild throw from Lions pitcher Kaitie Sims. Gunn then advanced to third on a Lexi Cash groundout, but the rally ended with yet another groundout to keep the Golden Tigers off the board.

After allowing one run in the bottom of the fifth to the host Lions, Brenau never threatened as Sims closed out the game.

Brenau starter Gracie Dorr took the tough loss, pitching six innings and allowing only four hits and one run.

Game two was a different story as the Golden Tigers' bats pounded out six runs in the first two innings to take their 17th win of the season.

Elizabeth Schneider started off the first inning scoring with a single to center that scored Kelsey Payne for a quick 1-0 lead. Then Cash blasted an inside the park home run to score Savannah Moore and Mason Garland to give Brenau a commanding 4-0 lead.

In the bottom of the second the Golden Tigers continued the hot hitting as Kelsey Payne drilled her fifth homer of the year to score Farrow and help secure the 6-0 win.

Jessica Rathje dominated the Lions with complete game victory on the mound. The Glencoe, Alabam freshman scattered three hits and allowed no runs for her team-high eleventh win of the season.

Brenau (17-16 overall, 3-5 SSAC) next travels to Coastal Georgia for an SSAC doubleheader on Friday in Brunswick.