GHC preps for conference tourney, splits DH vs. Chattanooga State CC

The Georgia Highlands softball team split a doubleheader with visiting Chattanooga State CC Monday in a final non-conference tune-up before the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association begins Thursday.

Chattanooga State took a 6-1 lead into the seventh inning and held on for a 6-5 win in the opener, then the Chargers won the second game in a wild, 16-15 shootout.

Ashley Jordan went 3-for-4 with one RBI in the first game. Kaleigh Mobley added a 2-for-2 performance and scored a run.

Shannon Plese had three hits including a double and drove in a run for Chattanooga State. Madison Kurtz drove in two runs and Lillie McCrary had two hits and one RBI for the visitors.

Labrisha Washington was the winning pitcher for the Lady Tigers with a complete game. She allowed 10 hits, two earned runs, and struck out six.

In the nightcap, the Chargers took a 9-4 lead through three innings, but Chattanooga State scored 11 runs over the next two innings to take a 15-9 lead.

GHC bounced back with a six-run sixth to tie and scored a run in the bottom of the seventh on a walk-off base on balls to Andria Booth for a 16-15 win.

Carlee Thurmond went 4-for-4 with three doubles and seven RBI to lead the Chargers’ attack. Ashley Jordan had three hits and scored a run. Lauren Womack had two hits and one RBI. Booth had a hit, three walks, three RBI, and a stolen base.

Kayla Street (3 IP, 4ER, 5H, 2BB, 2K) picked up the pitching victory for the Chargers with three innings of relief.

Georgia Highlands (25-31 overall, 7-7 GCAA) opens play in the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association championship tournament on Thursday. The 4th-seeded Chargers play 5th-seeded East Georgia in the first round at 1pm. The winner plays again Thursday at 5pm against top-seeded South Georgia State CC.

The tournament is hosted by Gordon College and is being played at Strong Rock Christian School in Locust Grove.

The tournament continues through Saturday (see bracket below).