Chargers softball wins third straight, celebrate sophomores

The Georgia Highlands College softball team swept a conference doubleheader over East Georgia State CC at home Saturday, winning 5-3 and 9-1.

The Chargers also recognized five sophomores between games as they move on from Georgia Highlands College next year. Pitchers Montana Ledbetter and Madalyn Morton, Outfielders Alexis Poole and Allison Daffron, and second baseman Maddy Hairston were all celebrated by the team and their families.

In the first game win, pitcher Madalyn Morton tossed a complete game to keep the visiting Bobcats in check. Morton scattered seven hits and one walk while striking out seven.

Georgia Highlands plated three runs in the bottom of the first for an early lead. East Georgia narrowed the margin to 3-2 in the fourth but the Chargers added single runs in the fourth and fifth innings and held on for the victory.

At the plate, Madison Bennett led the Chargers with three hits including a double. Hailey Cronic finished with two hits including a double and one RBI. Taryn Hitchcock drove in a pair of runs with one hit. Allison Daffron hit a solo home run and Lacey Rutledge added a double.

Pitcher Montana Ledbetter earned the victory in Saturday’s second game. She allowed only one, unearned run on three hits. Ledbetter did not issue a walk and fanned nine.

The Chargers banged out a dozen hits in the six inning win.

Cronic smacked a pair of home runs for three RBIs. Halie Walther (RBI) and Madeline Hairston also had two hits each. Natalie Herrera hit a two-run homer. Kyndal Brown also hit a solo home run. Bradey Tharp (RBI), Bennett (RBI), Izzy Marcotte, and Daffron contributed one hit each.

The losses dropped East Georgia to 27-19 for the year and 12-5 in conference play.

Georgia Highlands (10-18, 5-8) has won three straight and will host Andrew College in a doubleheader Monday at 2 p.m.