COLUMBUS — The top-ranked University of North Georgia softball team wrapped up the Peach Belt/Gulf South Southern Softball Showdown with a pair of losses to two teams ranked in the NFCA Top 25. The day started with a tough 16-7 defeat to Alabama-Huntsville before Valdosta State battled from behind to take down the Nighthawks, 11-4.
GAME ONE
The day got off to a rough start for UNG with UAH plating six runs in the first without giving up a hit. The Nighthawks issued nine free passes in the inning and things didn't get much better in the second as North Georgia allowed eight runs on just three hits.
While the 14-1 deficit seemed insurmountable, the Nighthawks showed some serious fight in the top of the fifth, scoring six runs on five hits to avoid the run-rule. The Chargers would come up with a two-run homer in the bottom frame of the inning to end the game at 16-7.
Despite the lopsided score, UNG out hit UAH.
GAME TWO
North Georgia got off to a great start in their matchup with No. 6 Valdosta State, plating four runs in the top of the first with five hits in the first six batters.
A costly error at short opened the door for two unearned runs in the bottom of the first, which sparked a big offensive day for the Blazers at the plate. VSU would go on to score nine unanswered runs to give the game its final 11-4 score.
NEXT UP
North Georgia will hit the road again next weekend, traveling to Gulf Shores, Alabama to take part in the Gulf Coast Invitational, hosted by Spring Hill College. UNG will play five games at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex over the weekend, starting with a Friday game against No. 18 Alabama-Huntsville with first pitch slated for Noon CST start.
