Cleveland State takes two from GHC softball

February 25, 2024

Georgia Highlands softball lost both games of a doubleheader Saturday at Cleveland State CC, 6-1 and 5-3.

The host Lady Cougars scored five runs in the first inning of Game 1 and kept the Chargers off the scoreboard until the final frame.

Hayden Joyner  (5 IP, 6R, 2ER, 5H, 0BB, 1K) made the start in the circle in Game 1 and was tagged with the pitching loss. Jaycie Hand worked a three-up, three-down sixth inning for GHC.

Chloe Fowler had three hits including a double. Cailey Barnett produced two hits. Haylee Dishmon and Ally Graden added one hit each.

The Chargers led 2-0 through 3-½ innings in Game 2 but the Cougars scored two runs in the fourth inning to tie. Georgia Highlands went back ahead with a run in the top of the sixth before Cleveland State answered with a three-run sixth to finish off a 5-3 win.

Grace Kendrick (5 IP, 2ER, 6H, 0BB, 3K) made the pitching start for the Lady Chargers. Hand (1 IP, 3ER, 4H) was charged with the loss.

Aliza Martinez led the GHC offense with three hits. Dishmon finished with two hits including a first-inning, solo home run. Avery Fisher contributed two hits, while Raegan Ford (two RBIs) and Fowler added one.

With Saturday’s sweep, Cleveland State improved to 10-0.

Georgia Highlands (3-14) travels to Sumiton, Ala. on Saturday for a doubleheader at Bevil State CC.