The GoldenTigers softball team opened up the first game of a 4 game series with a loss to host  LaGrange College on the road last night. Brenau was shut-out in the game- uncharacteristic of a team that is capable of producing runs in the double digits on most occasions. 

Gainesville, GA - Coach Devon Thomas has announced Madison Strickland as the newest addition to the Golden Tigers' softball team. Throughout her high school career at West Hall High School, Strickland has achieved success in the classroom and on the field. 

Holding high expectations for herself, she never missed a day of class and was always ranked in the top 10%, or higher. In the course of four years, Strickland was the recipient of the Jack A. Pirkle Award for Leadership with Humility and Compassion, Wendy's Heisman Award, Jenny Melton Scholarship, International Baccalaureate Economics Award, International Baccalaureate Biology Award, International Baccalaureate Math Studies Award, and the highest GPA on her athletic team.

Outside of the classroom, Madison was involved in an array of extracurricular activities. From her freshmen year on, she demonstrated a commitment to become an active member of the Beta Club, the Creation Activity Service, the Future Business Leaders of America, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the National Honor Society. 

Strickland was also dedicated to being a volunteer at the Canned Food Drives, the Salvation Army, Jenny's Garden, and Flat Creek Baptist Church Vacation Bible School. She remained involved with these community service projects for the duration of high school.

When it came to athletics, Madison was no different. She had an unwavering commitment to her team, and was always looking for ways to improve.

In her high school career, Strickland acquired a .319 batting average. With that, she collected 27 doubles, 18 triples, 3 HRs, and 70 RBIs.

Her talent and drive quickly put her in the spotlight, gaining her recognition year after year. Madison was named Freshman of the Year All-State Selection, the 2x recipient of the Coach's Award, Team MVP, and 2x All-State Honorable Mention.

Coach Thomas and the Golden Tigers softball team are thrilled to have Madison become a part of their program. Brenau has worked hard to create the winning tradition that they are nationally known for and Madison will help the Golden Tigers to build their momentum needed for this season.

Gainesville, GA - Infielder, Lydia Gerrin, has signed with the Brenau University softball team for the 2011-2012 season. Gerrin recently graduated from Habersham High School, where she accumulated many awards and accomplishments on and off the field.

As a student-athlete she received six years of perfect attendance, as well as, the title of honor graduate. Gerrin's extracurricular activities consisted of being an active member in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), and her student council.

As a freshman, Lydia was awarded Most Valuable Player for Habersham's softball team. At the conclusion of her sophomore year, she was given the Hustle Award. Throughout her junior year, she continued to gain recognition, as she received Most Valuable Player, 1st Team All-Region, and the Offensive Award. In Gerrin's final year of her high school career, she left everything on the field, allowing her to be named Most Valuable Player (for the third time), 1st Team All-Region (for the second time), recipient of the Offensive Award (twice in a row), the Region Coach's Award, and the Home Run Record Holder (with 5).

When asked about the Golden Tigers' newest infielder, Coach Devon Thomas responded by saying, "Lydia is a hard working player that will benefit our program with her dedication and determination on the field and in the classroom. She will add depth to our infield and more power at the plate".