UWA softball splits twinbill opener, Jessica Brock strong in loss
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – West Alabama came from two runs behind in game two to defeat Georgia College 3-2 and split in the season opening double-header Saturday in the 2014 Bobcat Bash. UWA lost the first game 1-0.
“Today we lacked timely hitting in game one, but we still had some first game jitters. In game two we fell behind early after two costly errors,” UWA head coach Will Atkinson said. “After that we settled in behind Sarah and started our offense rolling. We did leave 10 runners on base in game two, but if we keep getting people on the hits will come”
The Tigers tied game two in the top of the third inning with runs from Whitney Brown and Jordyn Whiddon after giving up two runs in the first inning. Whiddon grounded out in the top of the fifth inning to send Taylor Miller home and give the Tigers the win.
Whiddon finished the game 1-for-4 with two RBI, while Rebecca Schick ended 2-for-4 with a RBI.
Whitney Okvist led GC at the plate in game two, hitting 3-for-4. Kristen Brooks and Abi LeRoy tallied the only runs for the Bobcats.
Whitney Horton homered in the bottom of the fifth inning of game one that gave the Bobcats their first win. She finished 1-for-2 at the plate.
Brown led the Tigers at the plate in game one, hitting 2-for-3.
Two UWA fielding errors led to two runs by Kristen Brooks and Abi LeRoy in the bottom of the first inning in game two.
Sarah Ray-Averett (1-0) picked up the win in the circle for the Tigers, pitching through seven innings and allowing five hits and one earned run. Carly Lewis (0-1) received the loss after giving up six hits through seven innings.
The Bobcats’ Marisa Boyette (1-0) posted eight strikeouts in game one to pick up the win. Jessica Brock (0-1) took the loss in game one, striking out six and allowing four hits.
“Jessica pitched outstanding today,” said Atkinson. “She made one mistake that allowed the only run of the game. Anytime our pitchers give up three runs or less we feel like we should win.”
The Tigers will take on Georgia Southwestern State in a double-header in the second day of the invitational tomorrow. First pitch of game one is set for 10 a.m.
“We are looking forward to tomorrow,” Atkinson said. “This is a fun ball club to be a part of and we will continue to play the game the ‘right’ way focusing on our effort and attitude. If we have 100 percent of both, the wins will surely follow.