GAINESVILLE -- Junior Ellen Black (Toccoa) had a huge day for the No. 18 Brenau softball team, going 4-7 from the plate and pitching a one-hitter in the second game, as the Tigers swept Bryan, Tenn., 11-0 and 14-1 in the season opener for both teams. Both games ended after five innings because of the 8-run mercy rule. Black hit two homers, a three run shot in the first game and a two run blast in the nightcap to drive in six runs on the day.
Sophomore Anna Maness (Seagrove, N.C.) threw a no-hitter in the first game, striking out six to get her season off to a great start. Sophomore Tiffany Schandera (Columbus) went 3-4 from the leadoff position in the first game, hitting a single, double and triple and driving in a run. Newcomers Jenny Shepherd (Martinez) and Katie Bowlin (Danielsville) provided offensive support with Shepherd going 2-3 and Bowlin driving in three runs with a triple.
Black drove in three runs with her second homer of the day to support her own cause on the mound, where she threw a one-hitter. Schandera, Bowlin and freshman Kris Reynolds (Bogart) each drove in two runs and Lana Lazar, Austin Smith and Shepherd had an RBI apiece.
"I am very pleased with the effort today, both offensively and in the pitching game," said coach Devon Thomas. "We have had very limited time on the field because of the weather, only getting in four practices. We got production from our veteran players and the newcomers, which shows our depth."
The Tigers will travel to Jackson, Miss., this weekend to compete in the Belhaven Sweet Sixteen tournament, which is one of the premier tournaments in the nation. Brenau will open play on Friday at 10 am against Southern Nazarene, who received votes in the pre-season NAIA poll.
Monday
June 16th, 2025
8:56PM
