COLUMBUS — Kylee Smith pitched a no-hitter in the first game of the day, and the offense stayed hot as the No. 7 University of North Georgia softball team finished the CSU Cougar Classic with two five-inning shutouts. The Nighthawks defeated Wingate, 8-0, before downing Tuskegee, 12-0.
GAME ONE
Neither team was able to get much going until the third inning. Wingate got a baserunner on via an error, but the Nighthawks rolled a double play to squash the threat in the top half. In the bottom of the frame, Kali Turner drew a walk to lead off the inning. Two batters later, Sydney Sprague brought home the game's first run on a single down the left field line.
In the fourth, UNG loaded the bases on three walks, and, with two outs, Turner smashed a grand slam to straight away center to increase the lead to 5-0. Shelby Hammontree walked off the game in the fifth inning with a three-run bomb to left field.
Smith's no-hitter came with nine strikeouts and no walks.
GAME TWO
The Nighthawks' offense stayed hot in the second game of the day, starting with six runs in the first inning with 11 batters sent to the plate.
In the second, Brooke Wakenigg and Laken Chambers hit RBI doubles to add three more runs to the scoreboard before another three-run inning in the fourth. Turner and Alishia Frierson each had RBI singles in the fourth inning, while Lexi Duncan earned a RBI by drawing a walk for the game's final run.
Four pitchers combined for the shutout with Amber Johns claiming the win. Riley Patton, Bria Bush and Chambers each threw one inning.
NOTES
- The Nighthawks outscored Wingate and Tuskegee, 42-0, in the classic. The two shutouts today makes nine shutouts for the pitching staff so far this season.
- North Georgia was 16-of-27 in the Tuskegee game with 10 RBI as a team.
- UNG now has 17 home runs this season, leading the Peach Belt in the category by four over Francis Marion.
NEXT UP
The Nighthawks will have the home opener on Wednesday, February 21, at 1 p.m. as they welcome Shorter to Haines and Carolyn Hill Stadium.
