Mooney Shines as Panthers Open Conference Play

Mooney led GSU to a 3-1 win over Texas State Saturday.

Box Score 1 | Box Score 3 ATLANTA -- Freshman Sophie Mooney was impressive Saturday in a 3-1 win over Sun Belt-foe Texas State at the Bob Heck Softball Complex.

Mooney, who began playing softball at four years old, didn't look at herself as a potential collegiate pitcher until her junior year of high school. The Lawrenceville, Ga., native played four years of varsity softball for Collins Hill H.S. before enrolling at GSU. At Collins Hill Mooney posted all-state numbers both int he circle and at the plate.

After the Panthers took a 16-0 loss to Texas State in Game 1 of the series on Friday, the team looked to Mooney to take the circle and guide the Panthers to a bounce-back win on Saturday.

The freshman delivered with a complete-game performance, allowing one run on four hits and striking out four to help GSU notch its first conference win of the season as the Panthers downed the Bobcats 3-1.

"After Friday's result, we wanted to get back out there and get that game back," Mooney said. "There was definitely motivation there after Friday."

Mooney didn't have her best stuff Saturday, but relied on her teammates in the field to get the job done.

"I had to fight every inning because I didn't have the best control," Mooney recounted. "I had good defense behind me and with them I was able to work through some jams."

Mooney ranks third in the Sun Belt in strikeouts per seven innings (8.2) and leads the GSU staff with 49 strikeouts.

The Panthers got all the run support they needed off the bat of veteran Caitlin Ray. Ray drove in a pair of runs with a 1-for-2 day at the plate.

Game 3 went in Texas State's favor with the Bobcats earning the series win Sunday with a 7-0 victory.

Georgia State goes on the road Wednesday for a midweek contest at Auburn.

For the latest news and info on GSU softball, follow @GSU_Softball on Twitter.

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Players Mentioned

#10 Sophie Mooney: P; 5' 10"; Freshman; R/R

#12 Caitlin Ray: IF; 5' 5"; Redshirt Junior; L/R

Players Mentioned

#10 Sophie Mooney
: 5' 10"; Freshman; R/R
: P

#12 Caitlin Ray
: 5' 5"; Redshirt Junior; L/R
: IF

Players Mentioned

#10 Sophie Mooney

#12 Caitlin Ray

Players Mentioned

#10 Sophie Mooney

#12 Caitlin Ray