GHC splits double-header at ABAC, Chargers remain one game back in conference race

The Georgia Highlands College softball team split a conference doubleheader at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Saturday to keep pace with GCAA leader Georgia Military in the conference standings.

The Chargers (34-10 overall, 15-7 Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association) remain only one game behind GMC (16-6) in conference play.

ABAC took the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader 7-4, but GHC took the second game 9-4.

The Chargers fell behind 5-1 in the third inning of the opener and were unable to recover. GHC cut the lead to 5-3 in the fifth inning on Shayla Smith’s second home run of the season, but ABAC answered with two runs in the sixth.

Georgia Highlands loaded the bases in the seventh inning and tacked on one more run, but were unable to assert further damage in a 7-4 loss.

The Chargers turned it around in the second game behind the arm of pitcher Micayla McCoy. The freshman tossed a complete game allowing four runs (only one earned).

GHC pounded out eleven hits and took advantage of nine walks and four hit batsmen in the 9-4 victory.

Andria Booth led Georgia Highlands with a 4-for-6 day that included a triple, a walk, and a pair of stolen bases. Hannah Wills (pictured) was 3-for-7 with a walk. Shayla Smith finished the day 3-for-7 with a double, a home run and two walks. Brianna Fickes rifled her 18th home run of the year in the second game. The homer extends her career record to 31.

Next for the Chargers are home conference doubleheaders against East Georgia and South Georgia at Stars Field this Friday and Saturday.

Saturday’s matchup with South Georgia will also be the Chargers’ sophomore night.

The East Georgia doubleheader Friday is set for 4pm. The Saturday games with South Georgia will begin at 3pm.

All games for the final two doubleheaders will be free to the public. Fans are encouraged to come out and support the sophomores’ final home games.

Stars Field is located at 2200 Joe Frank Harris Parkway in Cartersville, GA behind Stars Pre-K.