Tigers Maul Lions in SSAC Softball
The Brenau Golden Tigers softball team defeated Emmanuel College 15-7 and 11-1 (6 innings) in an SSAC doubleheader as Coach Thomas secured win #300 as a college coach. Currently ranked #16 in the nation, the Golden Tigers slugged twenty hits in game one to take the opening game.
The Golden Tigers took an early 4-0 lead in the first inning but the Lions tied the score in the bottom of the second scoring four runs. The game stayed tied until the sixth when the Brenau offense erupted again for five runs, and then added five insurance runs in the top of the seventh inning to seal the victory.
Senior Taylor Kelly (Toccoa, Ga.) hit a home run and drove in four runs, while junior Katie Bolin (Danielsville, Ga.) added 3 RBIs. Other leading hitters were Sally Duggan (Huntsville, Ala.) who went 4-5 with two RBIs, while Katie Cole (Tupelo. Miss.) and Tiffany Schandera (Columbus, Ga.) added an RBI each to the win.
Jenny Shepherd (Martinez, Ga.) allowed seven runs in seven innings, but struck out eleven batters to give the Golden Tigers the win. Shepard also helped her cause at the plate batting 5-5 with three RBIs.
"In game 1, we hit the ball great and produced the most hits in a single game this season," said Coach Devon Thomas. "We did not play well defensively as we gave up a few too many runs on some poor defensive decisions".
In game two, the Brenau offense continued its early inning success scoring six runs in the top of the first inning. The Golden Tigers added five more runs and never trailed. Duggan continued to hit well, adding a home run and four RBIs to her strong day. Other leading hitters include Bolin who went 1-3 with an RBI, Cole who went 2-4 with 3 RBIs and Liz Schneider (Smyrna, Ga.) who went 2-3 with 1 RBI. Anna Maness (Seagrove, N.C.) pitched five strong innings allowing only one hit and one run to take the victory.
Coach Devon Thomas noted his team's consistent hitting and defensive improvement in game two: "We played great defense in this game and continued to see the ball well. Both pitchers (Shepard and Maness) worked hard today for us and it was nice to receive ample run support".
The second game victory was monumental for Coach Thomas as he picked up career win #300 as head coach at Brenau University. This season marks Thomas 10th year as head coach for the Golden Tigers. The only head coach for Brenau's softball program, Thomas has taken the team to two NAIA National Tournaments, most recently in 2012 when the team narrowly missed an opportunity to play for a national championship.
The team continues their conference schedule on Friday when they travel to SSAC foe Brewton-Parker College (Ga.) for a critical doubleheader. First pitch for game one is at 1 pm.