Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 ROME- The Shorter Hawks Softball team earned a hard-fought 9-7 victory over Columbus State Friday afternoon in game one before falling in a 9-0 defeat in game two. 

GAME ONE

After holding the Cougars scoreless in the opening frame, the Hawk bats went to work, starting with a sac fly from Alex Hollingsworth to take the 1-0 lead. Rylee Gattis added another run shortly after with an RBI double before Shorter scored three more due to drawing a pair of walks with the bags loaded and a wild pitch to make it 5-0 after one. The Cougars responded quickly, scoring three runs in the following inning to cut the deficit. 

The Hawks collected two more runs in the third to take the 7-3 lead and add to their momentum. After a silent fourth inning, Columbus State set the tone with an RBI triple to begin the fifth. The Cougars drew in three more runs to even the score. Fortunately for Shorter, in the top of the sixth, Lizzy Mitchell connected on an RBI single to give the Hawks their lead back before Parker Smith reached home on an error from the visitors to take the 9-7 lead. Hayden Joyner stepped up for Shorter, helping them get out of a jam with the bases loaded in the top of the seventh to secure the 9-7 win and claim the save. 

Notable Performances: 

Zariah Webb: 1-3, 2 RBI
Rylee Gattis: 3-4, RBI, R, W (2-4), 4.2 IP, 4 H, 7 R, 2 K
Lizzy Mitchell: 2-4, RBI

GAME TWO

The Cougars struck first in game two with a sac fly in the top of the fourth to take the lead, then added three more runs to extend their lead to four. Columbus State tacked on three more in the fifth with a three-run homer to centerfield to extend their lead. The Cougars continued to pour it on, connecting on a two-run shot in the seventh to make 9-0. The Hawks continued to fight, but woud fall in a 9-0 defeat. 

UP NEXT

The Hawks will look to take the series tomorrow as they face off with the Cougars at 1:00 PM. 
 

FOLLOW THE HAWKS

For complete coverage of Shorter Softball, follow the Hawks on social media @suhawkssoftball (Twitter), / @suhawkssoftball  (Instagram) or visit the official home of Shorter athletics at goshorterhawks.com