Softball Sweeps Faulkner; Clinches SSAC Regular Season Championship
On the day of the dedication for Ernest Ledford Grindle Park, the #2 Brenau softball team clinched the Southern States Athletic Conference regular season championship with a sweep of Faulkner (Ala.) University on Tuesday.
Before the games the Brenau community celebrated the opening of the new field and facility with a celebration and ceremonial first pitch.
After the festivities, the Golden Tigers used an early rally in game one to take a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning off of Eagles' starter Caitlin Perry. However, Faulkner rallied in the top of the sixth with two runs of their own to tie the game 2-2.
Brenau responded with a run in the bottom half of the inning to edge out the visitors and clinch the SSAC regular season championship 3-2.
Kathleen Daniel pitched seven innings, allowing two runs and six hits with nine strikeouts to win her 36th game of the season. Earlier in the day the freshman was named NAIA Pitcher of the Week for a third time this season.
In game two, the Golden Tigers rode a complete game shutout from pitcher Jessica Rathje to defeat Faulkner 5-0 to complete the season sweep.
Autumn Conaway launched her third home run of the season, while teammate Lexi Cash added two RBIs to easily outpace the Eagles.
Rathje allowed only four hits with six strikeouts to collect her ninth win of the season.
Brenau (45-5 overall, 24-0 SSAC) looks to close out the regular season with a doubleheader against Coastal Georgia on Friday at 2 pm in Gainesville.