SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A home run by senior shortstop Tori Robinson to open the sixth inning propelled the Georgia Gwinnett College softball team to a 2-1 victory over Vanguard University (Calif.) on Thursday evening in a first-round game at the NAIA World Series.
The No. 8-seeded Grizzlies (43-14) will now play No. 1-seeded University of Science & Arts (Okla.) on Friday, May 24, at 4:30 p.m. central time.
Robinson blasted a 1-ball, 1-strike count pitch over the left field wall to give GGC its first lead of the contest. Earlier, a sacrifice fly from senior Aubree Cox tied the game 1-1 in the top of the second inning.
“When I swung, I knew. It felt really awesome,” said Robinson about her important home run.
Vanguard (46-12), the No. 9 seed, got an unearned run in the bottom of the first inning. That’s the only blemish against Georgia Gwinnett College senior pitcher Taylor Hansis, who struck out five batters and scattered six hits in a complete-game effort. She recorded her 26th victory of the season, setting a new single-season school record, and has won all seven of the team’s postseason games this spring.
The Grizzlies outhit the Lions by an 8-to-6 margin, including two hits from junior Sydney Willhite.
This marks the second straight season for GGC to win its first game in the NAIA World Series. Last season was the first time the team advanced to the championship site.
Thursday’s game was delayed more than six hours as tournament officials dealt with field conditions affected by severe weather conditions from Wednesday night and early Thursday.
Coach’s Corner
“The team was focused on winning each inning. When we did fall behind, we bounced right back. Then, we played great defense behind Taylor once we got the lead. Taylor got ahead in the (pitching) count and made some key pitches to get us the win,” said Head Coach Kat Ihlenburg.
Turning Point
Senior Tori Robinson sent a 1-ball, 1-strike count pitch over the left field wall to give the Grizzlies a 2-1 lead in the top of the sixth inning. It marked the team’s first lead of the game.
Key Plays
Bottom of First
Emily Hall gave Vanguard an early 1-0 lead by scoring from second base following a GGC fielding error
Top of Second
Aubree Cox’s sacrifice fly brought home Piper Wagner to tie the game, 1-1
Top of Sixth
Tori Robinson connected on a home run to lead off the inning, giving the Grizzlies the 2-1 lead
Inside The Numbers
- The Grizzlies collected eight hits in the victory
- Senior pitcher Taylor Hansis won her 26th game of the season, breaking the single-season mark (25 wins) she set last season
- Junior Sydney Willhite registered two hits for the Grizzlies
- Senior third baseman Crystal Busbee and sophomore second baseman Holly Janco each had three assists in the win
News & Notes
- GGC improves to 43-14 on the season; Vanguard drops to 46-12
- Georgia Gwinnett College was the No. 8 seed in the double-elimination World Series bracket; Vanguard stood as the No. 9 seed
- The Grizzlies are making their second straight appearances in the NAIA World Series; and second in program history
- GGC has won its first game while playing in the 2019 and 2018 NAIA World Series
- GGC won two of the three games against Vanguard this season, winning both games by an one-run margin
Up Next
Georgia Gwinnett College advances to play No. 1-seeded University of Science & Arts (Okla.) on Friday, May 24, at 4:30 p.m. central.