Softball Wins Lauren Giddings Classic

In the second day of the Lauren Giddings Classic, the Brenau Golden Tigers softball team defeated Wesleyan College (GA) in the semifinals 14-0 and Penn State-Behrend 11-2 to capture the tournament championship.

In the semifinal game, the Brenau offense continued to hit, scoring eight runs in the first inning. Lydia Gerrin (Mount Airy, Ga.) homered for the Golden Tigers, while freshman Caitlyn Glenn (Watkinsville, Ga.) went 2-3 with 3 RBIs.

Other offensive standouts include Taylor Schrader (Henagar, Al.), who went 2-2 with an RBI and Andrea Bentley (Augusta, Ga.), who went 2-3 with an RBI. Brenau combined for 13 hits, with each batter contributing at least one RBI.

Freshman Katie Cole (Tupelo, Ms.) pitched all five innings, striking out 11, while recording her first career no-hitter.

In the championship game, the Golden Tigers faced first-round foe Penn State-Behrend. Again, the Brenau offense came out swinging, scoring 11 runs in the first two innings.

Freshman Cheyenne Marsh (Richmond Hill, Ga.) went 3-4 with 2 RBIs, while Katie Bolin (Danielsville, Ga.) slugged her team-leading 3rd home run of the season.

Anna Maness continued her winning ways, pitching four shutout innings to earn her sixth win. The senior gave up only two hits while striking out 8 batters. Freshman Taylor Causey (Covington, Ga.) pitched the final inning to close out the game.

Cheyenne Marsh, Liz Schneider and Katie Bolin were named to the all-tournament team for their outstanding play.

The victory gives Brenau its second consecutive Laura Giddings Classic Championship. When asked about winning the tournament, Coach Devon Thomas said, "We won the tournament last year and returned the trophy to Mrs. Giddings, and we felt it appropriate to do it again this year."

Coach Thomas spoke further about his team's play, saying, "We seem to be improving each time we get on the field. For the first time this year, our offense, defense and pitching all showed up together. We scored 25 runs in 10 innings, so I feel very good about the way we played."

The Golden Tigers next face Lyon College (AR) on Friday at Gulf Shores, AL.