HARDEEVILLE, S.C. - Playing its final non-conference home games of the 2023 season, the USCB softball team fell to No. 10 Georgia Gwinnett, 10-2 and 8-0, on Tuesday afternoon at Richard Gray Stadium.

INSIDE THE GAME ONE BOX SCORE

Harlee Walker - 3-for-3, three singles, one RBI

Mackenzie Freeman - 2-for-3, solo homer

Zinia Hampleton - 2-for-3, double, one run

Emily Williams - one inning, one hit, no runs, one walk

HOW GAME ONE HAPPENED

GGC's offense worked quickly by plating three runs off five hits to take the early three-run lead.

After holding the Grizzlies to a 1-2-3 second frame, USCB's offense went to work by plating a pair of runs early in the frame. Freeman demolished a leadoff homer, while Walker connected with an infield single to pull within one, 3-2.

The Grizzlies added a pair of runs in the third off a Logan Oller two RBI single. The hit extended the lead back to three, 5-2.

The Sand Sharks left two on base in the bottom of the third when Hampleton and Walker each tallied infield hits. However, they wouldn't be able to touch home.

After scoreless fourth and fifth innings, Georgia Gwinnett posted a crooked number by plating five runs to pull ahead by eight.

The Sand Sharks tried to mount a rally by putting two on base, but the Grizzlies worked out of the jam to seal the 10-2 win.

INSIDE THE GAME TWO BOX SCORE

Ashlyn Alte - 2-for-3, double, single

Hampleton and Addie Reynolds - one double each

HOW GAME TWO HAPPENED

After two quick innings to start the second game, Georgia Gwinnett scored four runs in the third thanks to four hits and three walks.

The Sand Sharks were able to get base runners in the third and fourth innings but couldn't take advantage.

After GGC added a run in the fifth, the Grizzlies went up by eight in the sixth with a trio of runs. 

USCB posted a rally in the sixth when Alte and Jaci Coleman posted back-to-back hits. Reynolds smacked a double to center, but Tamiyah Whitlock was tagged out at home to give GGC the run-rule win, 8-0. 

RECORDS UPDATE

USCB - 11-33 overall

Georgia Gwinnett - 30-7 overall

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Sand Sharks will play their final road Peach Belt Conference series this weekend by traveling to Columbus State for three games. The set begins with a doubleheader on April 15 followed by a single contest on April 16.