SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Georgia Gwinnett College softball team is among the last four teams left standing at the NAIA World Series following a 1-0 victory against No. 2-seeded Marian University (Ind.) on Monday afternoon.
The Grizzlies (46-15) have advanced to the semifinal round of the championship tournament for the first time in program history. They will have a rematch against top-seeded University of Science & Arts (Okla.) on Tuesday, May 28, at noon central time.
Monday’s lone run came in the opening inning when senior Crystal Busbee scored following a throwing error by Marian’s right fielder. Busbee advanced to third base on a fly out, but the throw got away from the third baseman and allowed Busbee to cross home plate.
Marian (54-3) threatened to score in the bottom of the fifth inning when sophomore left fielder Piper Wagner threw out the potential game-tying run at home plate following a base hit. Wagner’s throw to freshman catcher Sydney Pelaez caught baserunner Maddie Bombei, who was trying to score from second base.
Senior pitcher Taylor Hansis scattered five hits and registered five strikeouts in recording her 10th shutout of the season. She improved to 28-8 in the pitching circle and has won all nine games during GGC’s postseason run.
Six players tallied a hit in the contest as the Grizzlies outhit the Knights by a 6-to-5 margin.
Coach’s Corner
“The team did exactly what we needed to do today. Taylor pitched another great game and I am proud of the effort she continues to give us. Piper had one of our best plays of the season. I am excited that everyone is firing on all cylinders as we head into the semifinals,” said Head Coach Kat Ihlenburg.
Turning Point
A defensive play saved the day for the Grizzlies. With GGC leading 1-0, Marian threatened to tie the game with a base runner at second base in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Indiana team got a base hit to left field. Sophomore left fielder Piper Wagner threw to catcher Sydney Pelaez, who tagged out the base runner at home plate end the inning – and the scoring threat.
Key Plays
Top of First
Crystal Busbee scored following a throwing error by the right fielder to give the Grizzlies an early 1-0 lead
Bottom of Fifth
Piper Wagner threw out the potential game-tying runner at the plate from left field to end the inning
Inside The Numbers
- The Grizzlies outhit the Knights by a 6-to-5 margin
- Senior Taylor Hansis struck out five batters in the pitching circle
- Senior Crystal Busbee recorded a team-high five assists from third base
- Two of GGC’s three wins at the NAIA World Series have been decided by one-run margins
News & Notes
- GGC improves to 45-15 on the season; Marian ends the 2019 season at 54-3
- Georgia Gwinnett College was the No. 8 seed in the double-elimination World Series bracket; Marian stood as the No. 2 seed
- The Grizzlies are making their second straight appearances in the NAIA World Series; and second in program history
- GGC has a 4-3 record all-time at the NAIA World Series, advancing to the semifinal round for the first time
- Monday’s meeting marked the first contest between the two programs
Up Next
Georgia Gwinnett College advances to play No. 1-seeded University of Science & Arts (Okla.) on Tuesday, May 28, at noon central time. The two teams played last Friday, with Science & Arts earning a 4-1 victory.