Softball Sweeps Talledega in Season Opener

The Brenau softball team opened the 2016 season with a sweep of Talladega (Ala.) College on Sunday in Gainesville.

In the opening game, Brenau scored one run in the first inning, then added two more in the second inning to take an early 3-0 lead. However, the Tornados responded with two runs in the third to cut the deficit to 3-2.

After taking a 4-3 lead in the fourth, Courtney Kenney blasted a three-run homer to give the Golden Tigers a commanding 7-2 win.

Gracie Dorr started for the Golden Tigers, allowing two runs over three innings, while striking out three. Megan Wolinsky pitched four innings shutout innings to capture the win.

In the second half of the doubleheader, Brenau pounded out 12 hits to cruise to a 9-1 win in five innings.

Lexi Cash, Courtney Kenney, Kelsey Payne and Elizabeth Schneider each pounded out doubles, while Jessica Rathje pitched five innings to earn her first collegiate win.

Kinney, Payne and Schneider each had two RBIs, while Cheyenne Marsh added two RBIs as well. Allison Gunn also added two hits in the victory.

"Overall, I felt good for the opening games of the season," said head coach Devon Thomas. "We hit the ball well in our first chances against live pitching and I was pleased with our defense."

Brenau (2-0) next travels to Truett-McConnell College for a doubleheader. First pitch starts at 2 pm.