(DAHLONEGA)– The No. 1 University of North Georgia softball team split a Peach Belt Conference doubleheader with Flagler Saturday afternoon. The Saints took game one, 5-3, at Haines & Carolyn Hill Stadium at Lynn Cottrell Park thanks to a four-run opening inning. The loss marks UNG’s first loss at Lynn Cottrell Park as the home team since Apr. 28, 2023. In game two, the Nighthawks exacted revenge by dominating Flagler to the tune of an 11-1, five-inning win.
The two PBC teams will finish the three-game series tomorrow, Sunday, Mar. 24 from The Hill at 12 p.m.
Game 1: Saints def. Nighthawks, 5-3
A four-run first inning roughed up UNG senior starter Kristen Davis in the circle.
The Saints started the day with a lead off double from junior infielder Sydney Stewart. A single from freshman infielder Hannah Smith then scored Stewart to put Flagler on the board. The Saints would get three more runs in the opening frame as Davis surrendered four runs on four hits while allowing a walk.
Davis was pulled the next inning after walking the lead off hitter in senior outfielder Paige Maseda who was brought home two batters later on a line drive double from freshman catcher Emily Ricci. Head coach Mike Davenport had seen enough as senior pitcher Delaney Heaberlin came in to replace Davis as the Nighthawks trailed 5-0.
The game would remain at that score all the way until the bottom of the seventh inning with UNG’s last chance to spark a comeback.
Senior infielder Sophie Mooney led the inning off with a double. She was unbelievable in both games for UNG, combining to go 7-for-8 (.875) with four doubles and four RBIs in the double header. After Mooney’s double, senior catcher Georgia Blair singled to put runners on the corners with nobody out. She then stole second before sophomore infielder Katie Ward singled down the right field line to make it 5-2.
After recording two outs, Flagler was one out away from the win. However, junior infielder Rylie Moody worked a bases loaded walk to keep the game alive and make it 5-3.
With the bases still loaded and a chance to tie or take the lead with a base hit, senior outfielder Mariah Wicker flew out to left field to end the game.
Game 2: Nighthawks def. Saints, 11-1 (5 Inn.)
Looking for revenge in game two, UNG jumped out to an early lead after scoring a trio of runs in the second inning.
After a bases loaded ground ball from senior infielder Gracie Mixson saw a run get cut down at the plate, the Nighthawks quickly scored on a single from Moody. Then it was Mooney’s single up the middle that brought home a pair of runs to make it a 3-0 game after two innings of play.
A six-run third inning completely blew the game open for UNG. It started with Mixson again as she reached on a fielder’s choice with the bases once more, this time scoring senior outfielder Mallory Parker. A few batters later, sophomore first baseman Marycille Brumby worked a two out, bases loaded walk to bring in a run.
Mooney struck gold again two batters later as she singled to right field bringing home Mixson and sophomore outfielder Sydney Blair to make it 7-0 Nighthawks. Georgia Blair then doubled to bring home two more runs in Mooney and Wicker to extend the lead to nine runs.
Senior pitcher Tybee Denton had plenty of run support from her offense in the game, not that she needed it.
Denton went through the first three innings without allowing a hit from the Saints. Recording her 15th win of the season, Denton only allowed one run on just two hits in five innings.
The 11-1 victory moves the Nighthawks to 30-4 on the year with a 13-1 record in PBC play.
