ATLANTA, Ga -- Big hits from Payton Nicholson, Jaycee Goodwin and Chloe Nadler in the third inning sent the Panthers to a 7-3 win over Army on Sunday afternoon.
Junior Hallie Adams (2-2) started in the circle and picked up the win for Georgia State (5-11). The right-hander went four innings, giving up three runs, all of them earned, on eight hits, allowing no walks and striking out three. Junior Kate Kastelic also made an impact in the circle for the Panthers, throwing two scoreless innings while allowing two hits, with no walks and two strikeouts.
Freshman Payton Nicholson led the way offensively for the Panthers, going 2-for-3 in the ballgame with an RBI. Sophomore Ashton Schroyer compiled a noteworthy performance at the plate as well, going 1-for-2 with a walk and an RBI. Junior Jaycee Goodwin also contributed, going 1-for-4 for Georgia State with an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Trailing 2-0, the Panthers first put runs on the board in the third inning. Georgia State's offense had a good inning, putting three runs on the scoreboard.
The Panthers then held the Black Knights scoreless before getting back on the board the very next inning. Georgia State brought home a pair, with one run driven in by Nicholson's single, which brought the Panthers lead to 5-2.
Army narrowed Georgia State's lead to 5-3 before the Panthers stretched the advantage to 7-3 in the fifth inning. Junior Chloe Middlebrooks' run-scoring single highlighted a two-run output in the frame for the Panthers. The score remained 7-3 for the rest of the game, as Georgia State coasted to the win.
GAME NOTES
» Georgia State's highest scoring inning was the third, when it pushed three runs across.
» Georgia State went 5-for-14 (.357) with runners in scoring position.
» Georgia State pitchers faced 31 Army hitters in the game, allowing nine ground balls and six fly balls while striking out five.
» Nicholson led the Panthers at the plate, going 2-for-3 with an RBI.
» Army was led offensively by senior Kayla Edwards, who went 2-for-4 with a double, a triple and an RBI.
» Sophomore Breanna Izzo led the Black Knights pitching staff, throwing 2.2 innings of two-run ball.
The Panthers look to build momentum as they host in-state rivals Kennesaw State on Feb. 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the Bob Heck Softball Complex
