Softball Drops Two at NAIA Leadoff Classic

Columbus, Georgia- The Brenau softball team lost two close games on the first day of the NAIA Leadoff Classic with a pair of 7-6 extra inning losses to Thomas More (Ky.) College and Coastal Georgia on Friday.

In the opener, Brenau jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first inning, however, the Saints answered in the bottom of the third to tie the score 2-2. After the Golden Tigers' Tabitha Morrison singled in the top of the fourth to score Karly Smith, the Saints again answered in the bottom of the fifth as Baylee Hobeika scored to even the game 3-3.

Neither team could seize an advantage until the top of the eighth as Smith singled home Caroline Mitchell, and then Steffanie Redmon doubled to right to score Smith. Morgan Tyler then singled Redmon home for a 6-3 lead.

In the bottom of the inning, however, the Saints scored four runs-two earned-off Mitchell to escape with the win.

Both Tyler and Faith Grooms went 2-5 with an RBI and a stolen base, while Sheldon Kendrix and Redmon each posted two hits and an RBI.

In game two, Coastal Georgia opened the game with an early 2-0 lead, however, the Golden Tigers rallied with three runs in the bottom of the third and another in the fourth for a 4-2 lead. The Mariners scored one in the top of the fifth and three in the top of the seventh to take a 5-4 advantage.

In the bottom of the seventh, Brenau scored two runs to tie the score and send the game to extra innings. The Mariners then posted a run in the top of the ninth to capture the win.

Grooms again led the Golden Tigers with two RBIs and two steals, while Brooke Wakenigg added a home run and two RBIs.

Brenau (2-2 overall) continues play on Saturday with games against Rio Grande (Ohio) at 10 am, Georgetown (Ky.) at 12 pm and Warner (Fla.) at 4 pm.