FRANKLIN SPRINGS -- After spending weeks locked in a battle for sole possession of first place in the Southern States Athletic Conference, Brenau University softball finally earned the pole position this weekend by defeating Emmanuel College in a doubleheader.
The fifth-ranked Golden Tigers finished the series 10-0 in SSAC play, and 26-2 overall.
Brenau University dominated from the outset in Game 1 en route to an 11-0 victory.
Ellen Black (Toccoa Falls) shows paced the Golden Tigers offense, going 3-for-4 with 2 RBIs, a double and a home run, while Morgan Smith (Covington) went 1-for-3 with 3 RBIs and a home run. Both Kristina Reynolds (Bogart) and Jenny Shepherd (Martinez) also went 1-for-4, with an RBI, as Brenau put up 12 hits in the rout.
Meanwhile, Anna Maness (Seagrove, N.C.) led the way from the pitching circle for the Golden Tigers, striking out 12 in the win.
In Game 2, Brenau pulled out of a 2-2 scoreline in the fourth inning to seal a 9-2 win.
Black dominated again at the plate, going 2-for-3, with 3 RBIs and a two-run home run. Sally Duggan (Huntsville, Ala.) also blasted a three-run homer. Both Jenny Shepherd (Martinez) and Kelley put up two hits apiece, and Reynolds finished with a two-run home run.
Shepherd also impressed in the pitching circle, striking out 11 Emmanuel batters.
The Golden Tigers' softball team is set to play their next double header against Truett-McConnell College on Tuesday in Gainesville.
