COLUMBUS, Ga. (Feb. 26, 2023) - Georgian Court Softball finished up their time in Columbus, Ga. at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in style. The Lions defeated California (PA) 16-0 in five innings as both the bats and pitching were on top of their game. GCU has now won four straight and are 7-3 to start the season.

How it Happened
• Georgian Court scored 16 runs on 13 hits with six of the 13 hits going for extra bases.
• The Lions had two big innings, the third and fourth, where they scored seven runs and then eight.
• GCU didn't make an error in the field while the Vulcans made two.
• The scoring started in the first just two batters into the game. Taylor Lipkins led off the game with a single and stole second. One batter later, Adriana Mungo doubled down the first base line to bring in Lipkins and GCU had an early 1-0 lead. 
• Janelle Blazska threw two scoreless innings before the Lions gave her plenty of cushion. GCU scored seven runs in the third. Savannah Simons and Jordan Mendolla each roped two-RBI doubles.
• The Lions then played long ball in the fourth. Alyssa Herrera led off the inning with a solo shot. After putting three more runs on the board, Maddie Rabe finished the inning with a grand slam to left center putting Georgian Court up 16-0.
• Despite sitting for long periods of time, Blazska had no ill-effects and completed the shutout in five innings.

Lions Stat Leaders
• Janelle Blaszka picked up the win in the circle hurling a shutout giving up just five hits and two walks.
• Maddie Rabe had the biggest hit, a grand slam in the fourth.
• Taylor Lipkins was 2-3 with a run scored and stolen base. 
• Jadalynn Rodriguez finished 2-2 with a run and stolen base.
• Jordan Mendolla and Savannah Simons each had a hit and two RBI.
• Alyssa Herrera homered and scored twice.

For the Vulcans
• C. Fiorilli was 2-2 with two singles.
• B. Wilson went 1-1 at the plate. 
• R. Evans pinch hit and had a single.

News and Notes
• The Lions have scored 28 runs in their last two games.
• GCU pitchers have thrown shutouts in two of their last three games.
• Two of the Lions three home runs this season have been grand slams.
• In five games in Georgia, only one ended in seven innings.
• Fourteen different Lions scored a run.
• The Lions entered 19 into the game and the Vulcans entered 20. 
• California (PA) used six pitchers in the game.
• Following the tournament, Adriana Mungo was named to the All-Tournament Team. 

Up Next
The Lions tour of the south continues this week. They'll travel to North Carolina to play a double header at UNC-Pembroke Wednesday, March 1 beginning at 2 p.m.