CARROLLTON, Ga. - Behind two stellar pitching performances and timely long balls, the UWG softball team got off to a 2-0 start to ASUN play by sweeping Saturday's doubleheader over Jacksonville.
Calli Hardison tossed a gem in game one and Cacie Cutright was incredible in the circle in game two and UWG slugged four home runs in the doubleheader to win game one, 4-3 and game two, 4-1.
West Georgia (10-18, 2-0 ASUN) turned three double plays in game two while Jacksonville (15-13, 0-2 ASUN) made four errors in the two games combined.
"Honestly it was just really fun to see it all come together. This group's been working really hard all season and played against tough competition," said head coach Kristy Burton following the doubleheader sweep. "At the end of the day I think it came down to Calli setting the tone in game one. I think she's the heart of this program right now, and we all feed off of her energy."
GAME ONE
Two of UWG's four hits went over the fence and Calli Hardison was phenomenal in the series opener to lead the Wolves to a victory in game one.
Hardison allowed three runs on five hits to earn her fourth win of the season.
The two teams traded blows early as the Dolphins scored first with a run in the second inning. In the bottom half, an error put Cacie Cutright on board and Victoria Hardy made the Dolphins pay with a two-run home run to put UWG up by a run.
In the third, JU got a two-run shot of their own by Sarah Beth Brake to give them a one-run lead at 3-2.
A home run provided the next UWG run as Jenna Samuel slugged one over the scoreboard at University Stadium to tie the game at 3-3 after three innings.
West Georgia took the lead in the fifth on a walk, stolen base, single, and a JU error, with Samuel crossing the plate to put the Wolves up, 4-3, which proved to be enough.
Hardison gave up one baserunner in the seventh, but closed out the complete game, striking out one batter in the final frame to end the game with five strikeouts.
GAME TWO
It was a similar feel in game two as the Dolphins took a 1-0 lead early, this time scoring in the first inning.
But in the third, Samuel slugged her second home run of the doubleheader, tiring the deficit into a 2-1 lead, cashing in a Megan Waites double.
West Georgia got another run in the fourth on another home run, this one from Madison McDonald. In the fifth, UWG added another run as Olivia Slocumb drove in Jadyn Tummins and made it a 4-1 lead.
NOTABLE NUMBERS
- Hardy's home run in the second inning of game one was the first of her collegiate career.
- Samuel now has five on the season and six in her career after homering in each game of the twin bill.
- Both teams had seven baserunners stranded in the series opener, but the big difference in the box score was JU made three costly errors while UWG made just one.
- Hardison tied a season-best with five strikeouts in game one.
- Game two featured five double plays with the Wolves turning three and JU turning two.
- McDonald's home run was her third of the season.
- Cutright tossed her first career complete game in game two, allowing just three hits and one run.
UP NEXT
UWG will now look to complete the series sweep tomorrow. The Wolves and Dolphins have moved up the series finale to a 12 p.m. first pitch.
