Skyhawks Drop Day Two Doubleheader at Gulf Coast Invitational
GULF SHORES, Ala. – The Point University Skyhawks concluded their participation in the Gulf Coast Invitational on Saturday, seeing losses of 2-1 at the hands of Lindsey Wilson University and 9-0 against Williams Baptist University.
Game One (vs. Lindsey Wilson):
Point University held a late tie in a tight game against a 15-2 Lindsey Wilson team, but a sixth-inning go-ahead run pushed the Blue Raiders past the Skyhawks 2-1 in Gulf Shores.
The decisive blow came when Lindsey Wilson's Natalie Wandrie doubled to move the eventual winning run into scoring position. Two batters later, Sam Hartman lined a single to center to hand the Skyhawks a narrow one-run defeat.
The first run of the game went Point's way in the top of the second when Mackenzie Diaz delivered a run-scoring single to center field, sending in Alexa McCoy for a 1-0 lead. Point finished with seven hits and consistently put runners on base, but stranded eight, unable to add on against Lindsey Wilson starter Hallie Roberts.
It was a tough break for Skyhawks pitcher Alyssa Burrows, who had an impressive outing in the circle despite the loss. Her line included five hits, two runs and three strikeouts across six full innings.
Game Two (vs. Williams Baptist):
The Skyhawks' second game of the day wasn't as close. Williams Baptist ran away with an early lead, starting at 3-0 in the first inning. Then, there were two runs in the fifth inning and three more in the sixth. Point committed five errors in the field, leading to unearned damage.
The Skyhawks' best chances came in the middle frames as they began to time up Williams Baptist starter Emberlin Caldwell. Point scattered its five hits and drew a walk to put runners aboard in several innings but stranded seven on base in the game. Point's hits came courtesy of Taylor Gajdik, Sarah Hinely, Anna McMahan, MaKenzie Gilliland and Avery Lee.
Point pitchers Kendall Holbrook, Gajdik and Raley Thorn collectively worked six innings and threw 100 pitches, limiting Williams Baptist to seven hits but contending with extra outs created by the defensive miscues. Despite the final margin, the Skyhawks held the opposition to single-digit hits and recorded six strikeouts, showing stretches of command in the circle when the defense held firm behind them.
The Skyhawks will play their fifth and sixth consecutive games on the road respectively next Saturday, March 14. They'll square off in a doubleheader with Thomas University for their SSAC opener beginning at 1:00pm.