Nov. 8, 2014
THE FLATS – The Georgia Tech softball team wrapped up its fall season on Saturday afternoon falling to National Pro Fastpitch’s USSSA Florida Pride, 6-1. Georgia Tech and the defending NPF champions were tied at 1-1 entering the sixth inning.
“I was really pleased with how we stayed in the game,” said head coach Shelly Hoerner after the game. “I am really proud of the team. We came in and played very composed. We were consistent. We wanted to see quality pitching and take our hacks. That was important for us.”
Georgia Tech’s Chelsie Thomas paced the Yellow Jacket offensive attack going a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate. All four of the senior’s hits came on the infield and three of which came at the expense of two-time NCAA Player of the Year and Canadian Olympic pitcher, Danielle Lawrie.
“Chelsie’s had a great fall. She’s come back in great shape. She’s put in extra time. When you work hard, day in and day out, good things happen. She’s been the sparkplug of the team this fall. I am really proud of her for stepping up as a leader.”
In addition to Thomas’ four hits, Courtney Ziese’s first-pitch third inning homer cleared the fence in dead centerfield to drive in Tech’s only run of the afternoon. Maddie Lionberger, Kelsey Chisholm and Karly Fullem also had base hits to run Tech’s total to eight on the day.
True freshman pitcher Emily Anderson started the game for the Yellow Jackets and held the Pride bats in check in the early going. The LaGrange, Ga. native worked six innings allowing three runs on six hits with four walks and three strikeouts. Over her six innings of work, Anderson orchestrated three perfect innings and a bases loaded no out escape in the fourth.
Fans who attended this afternoon’s game received free admission and had autographs signed by both Georgia Tech and USSSA Florida Pride. Following the game, Coach Hoerner added “We want to say thank you to all the fans who came out and supported us. The atmosphere was great. We love those kinds of crowds.”
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