LIVINGSTON, Ala. — In a matchup against a nationally respected opponent receiving votes in this week's NFCA Division II Coaches Poll, Georgia Southwestern found itself in two tightly contested games Tuesday afternoon, but late swings and early pressure from West Alabama proved to be the difference in a doubleheader sweep at University Field.
Despite standout efforts from reigning Peach Belt Conference Freshman of the Week
Lani Dansby and a strong outing in the circle from
Jacquelyn Burns, the Hurricanes were edged 2-1 in the opener before dropping the nightcap 2-0.
Tuesday's Top Performers
Game 1 | West Alabama 2, GSW 1
What unfolded in the opener was a classic pitcher's duel that carried into the final inning, with both sides locked in a scoreless battle through much of the afternoon.
Georgia Southwestern broke through first in the third inning, sparked by Dansby — who continued her torrid stretch at the plate. The freshman shortstop singled to ignite the rally before
Erin Garland delivered a run-scoring double to left center, giving the Hurricanes a 1-0 edge.
Dansby accounted for half of GSW's offense in the game, finishing with two of the team's four hits and consistently applying pressure atop the lineup.
In the circle, McCard matched one of the Gulf South Conference's top arms pitch for pitch. The left-hander was efficient and composed, scattering four hits across 6 2/3 innings while striking out eight, one shy of her season high.
Holding a 1-0 lead into the seventh, the Hurricanes were just three outs away from a statement win. West Alabama, however, capitalized on its final opportunity, stringing together two extra-base hits to tie the game before a go-ahead single completed the comeback and handed GSW a narrow 2-1 loss.
Game 2 | West Alabama 2, GSW 0
The nightcap featured another strong showing in the circle for the Hurricanes, but an early burst from West Alabama proved enough to hold off GSW's offense.
The Tigers pushed across two runs in the opening inning, taking advantage of traffic on the bases to seize early control.
From there, Burns settled in and delivered one of her most complete outings of the season. The right-hander worked six full innings — her third start this year going six or more — and recorded a season-high four strikeouts while limiting further damage against a potent UWA lineup.
Offensively, the Hurricanes generated opportunities throughout, collecting five hits and putting runners on in multiple innings.
Rebecca Hazard's double highlighted an early chance, while
Madison Banks,
Maggie McDonald, and Dansby each added hits to keep pressure on.
GSW's best opportunity came in the seventh, when Dansby and McDonald delivered back-to-back singles to bring the tying run into scoring position. West Alabama, however, was able to escape the threat and close out the 2-0 win.
Next Up
The Lady Hurricanes travel to USC Beaufort for a three-game PBC weekend series that begins Saturday at 4 p.m.
