Knights Split Doubleheader with Darton for Season Opener

COCHRAN, Georgia (MGSC RELEASE) – The Middle Georgia State College Knights Softball team opened the season on the 6th at home against the Darton State College Cavaliers. The Knights had huge success in the first game taking a 10-0 lead into the top of the 5th and holding on for the 10-2 win by run rule. The Knights did not have as much luck in game 2 as they were run ruled by the Cavaliers.

Game 1 saw the Knights jump out to an early lead in the first 2-0 on an RBI groundout by Kayla Bawkin and RBI single by Julie Bradley. The Knights added 3 in the 3rd inning when Bawkin doubled ahead of Hannah Twilley who sent the ball over the fence in left center. Twilley was followed by Lana Maddox with a homerun to almost the same spot on the first pitch she saw. The Knights led 5-0 headed into the bottom of the fourth and picked up 5 runs including a 2 run homerun by Sarah Bennetts to take a 10-0 lead. Alyssa Amerson pitched all 5 innings and picked up the win giving up no runs in the game.

Game 2 was completely different as the Cavaliers scored 4 in the first off starter Kara Langill who only got 1 out before taking a ball off the hand and then giving up a homerun. She was replaced by Amerson who pitched well but gave up a homerun in the second and another in the fifth and 5 more runs overall putting the Knights down 9-0. The Knights could not get anything going in the game as they had bases loaded in the first and grounded into a doule play then had two on the second that was ended by a double play.

The Knights travel to Florida for matchups in Jacksonville, FL on Friday before playing in a tournament in St. Augustine, FL on Saturday and Sunday. They will play 7 games in 3 days against many teams from Florida that are highly ranked in the nation. A good run over the weekend will help Coach Phillips to see how the year could go. With good speed and good power shown in preseason and opening day, the outlook is very positive for a team that returned four strong players from 2013 and added some good talent in their freshman class.