AMERICUS -- The USCB softball team couldn't maintain the momentum from last weekend's sweep of Augusta, falling 2-0 to Georgia Southwestern in the series opener Friday night.

A two-run homer from Cooper Watson in the first inning proved to be the difference as the Sand Sharks struggled to generate offense against the Hurricanes' pitching. USCB managed just two hits in the game, coming from Makenzie Fore and Tamiyah Whitlock.

The Sand Sharks' best opportunity came in the sixth inning. After a strikeout to begin the frame, Jaden Goodwin worked a walk, and Fore was hit by a pitch. A flyout followed before Sydney Kibler entered as a pinch hitter, allowing USCB to load the bases. However, Chloe Turner popped up to end the threat.

Cierra Kinlaw (9-9) took the loss despite a strong performance in the circle. The left-hander pitched a complete game, allowing three earned runs on five hits while striking out two and walking three. Kinlaw kept the Hurricanes off the scoreboard throughout the middle innings, giving her team a chance to rally, but the Sand Sharks' offense couldn't capitalize.

The series concludes tomorrow with a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.