CARROLLTON, Ga. - Playing the final Division II softball game in program history, the West Georgia Wolves went out winners, defeating Valdosta State in a 10-9 game highlighted by a sixth-inning go ahead grand slam.
On a day where three seniors were honored, it was freshman Makayla Register that delivered a sixth-inning grand slam to put West Georgia (20-33, 9-21 GSC) up and the defense held strong to win the rubber match and the series over Valdosta State (29-21, 19-11 GSC).
The Blazers went up 1-0 on a solo shot from Abby Suite in the first inning, but an RBI-double from Blaire Bizette and an RBI fielder's choice from Makayla Register gave the Wolves their first lead of the game after an inning.
In the second, each team got a run as VSU hit another solo shot and senior Emily Bodenheimer picked up an RBI single to make it a 3-2 game.
With the bases loaded in the fourth, Valdosta State went to the bench and got a pinch hit grand slam to give them a 6-3 lead, but an poor in the bottom half gave one run right back as UWG got within two at 6-4. Both teams scored in the fifth as well as VSU got a solo home run and then UWG answered with Bizette's 14th home run of the season and then got another run on a sac fly fro Madison Vandergriff.
Valdosta State stretched their lead back to six with a two-run home run in the sixth to make it 9-6, but the Wolves had a little magic up their sleeve in the bottom half. It started with R.J. Janke reaching after being hit by a pitch, then a walk and a single to load it up for Register. That's when the Dexter, Georgia native slugged one the opposite way, clearing the fence and delivering the final blow in a back-and-forth affair.
Marissa Thompson pitched around a leadoff walk in the seventh as VSU got the tying run to third before the final out was made on a ground ball to short.
The game featured seven combined home runs and a grand slam from each team. Register and Bodenheimer each had two hits while Bizette's 3-for-3 game led the Wolves.Â
Thompson got the win in the circle, pitching 3.2 innings of relief.
The Wolves wrap up their final season of Division II softball with 20 wins, and now set their sights on the Atlantic Sun in 2025.
