AMERICUS -- USCB split Saturday's twin bill with Georgia Southwestern, earning a thrilling come-from-behind win in game one, 5-3, before dropping the series finale, 6-2. The Sand Sharks remain in the hunt for a playoff spot, now sitting ahead of both Augusta and Lander in the PBC standings.

GAME ONE

The Sand Sharks were held scoreless through the first five innings, managing only two hits—one each from Daryn Miller and MJ Stradinger. GSW struck early, scoring two runs in the first and adding an insurance run in the third with an RBI single to make it 3-0.

It wasn't until the sixth inning that USCB's bats came alive. After Miller flew out to start the frame, a pinch-hit single from Emma Reynolds ignited a rally. Three consecutive singles loaded the bases for the Sand Sharks, setting the stage for Makenzie Fore, who worked a bases-loaded walk to plate USCB's first run. Katelyn Boyette followed with an RBI single before Stradinger tied the game with an infield hit.

With the momentum shifting, Madison Murphy (4-5) tossed a clean sixth inning, setting up a dramatic finish. The first three USCB batters reached in the seventh, bringing Jadeon Goodwin to the plate with a chance to put the Sand Sharks ahead. She delivered, launching a deep shot to right field. With speed on the base paths, head coach Codee Yeske took a chance, sending Miller and Tamiyah Whitlock home to secure a 5-3 lead.

Murphy shut the door in the seventh, sealing the win. Abigail Ramirez started the game, pitching two-plus innings before Cassie Brundage took over in relief, working three scoreless frames.

GAME TWO

The teams traded runs in the first inning. Boyette notched her second RBI of the day with a single in the opening frame, but the Canes quickly answered in the bottom half. USCB regained the lead in the second, capitalizing on a wild pitch to go up 2-1.

However, GSW took control in the third when Cooper Watson launched a three-run homer to put the Canes ahead 4-2. Back-to-back doubles in the sixth added two more insurance runs, extending the lead to 6-2.

USCB struggled offensively in the latter half, managing just one runner in scoring position over the final five innings as Graceanne Spears worked 5.2 innings of scoreless relief for GSW. Cierra Kinlaw (9-10) battled through 3.1 innings for the Sand Sharks, allowing four earned runs on four hits while striking out two and walking one.

USCB returns home to host Edward Waters for a midweek doubleheader on Tuesday, April 1, beginning at 2 p.m.