By: Bailey Clark, sports information student

MILLEGDEVILLE, Ga.- The Georgia College Softball Team (3-5) split with the University of West Georgia (4-5) in a midweek matchup at the Peeler Complex Wednesday, falling 8-5 and responding with a 13-5 victory.

Game one resulted in a win for West Georgia as the Bobcats had no multi-base hitters. MacKenzie Hoffman (Rocky Face) reached base twice and was able cross the plate twice for two of the three Bobcat runs. The big bat of Jessica Owens (Social Circle) came alive in game one as she accounted for two RBI on her monstrous double to the centerfield fence.

Macy Banks (Homer) got the start in the circle for GC. Banks (1-2) allowed four earned runs on seven hits in her 4 1/3 innings of work. Brayden Latimer (Milledgeville) came in as the reliever and allowed two earned runs on three hits in her 2 2/3 innings of work.

The second game was an offensive explosion for the Bobcats as they plated 13 runs in five innings to pick up the run-rule victory. GC had several extra-base hitters and several players with multiple RBI. The first inning was a big one for the offense as Owens, Golden Thrower (Hanahan, South Carolina), Divina Checo (Marietta) and MacKenzie Martin (Dacula) all hit doubles to plate four runs. Hoffman led the squad going 2-for-2 with two RBI and two walks. Hoffman recorded her RBI on a single to centerfield. Brooke Lougher (Suwanee) also had two RBI on the night with a single-base knock to center to plate the lone runs of the third inning. Bella Carnes (Cartersville) got her first start of the season at second, going 2-for-3 and scoring twice.

Thrower (2-2) got the start and the win in the circle for GC. Thrower allowed five earned runs on six hits in her 3 2/3 innings of work. Montana Ledbetter (Hanna City, Illinois) had her best outing of the season getting four outs, allowing no earned runs on one hit fanning two batters. Ledbetter faced six batters, allowing her to pick up the first save of the season and her first in a Bobcat uniform.

The Bobcats are back in action Saturday, Feb. 19 on the road at Columbus State University for the Red White and Blue Classic. The first game for GC is set for 1:15 p.m. against Wingate University. Live stats and video links available at GCBobcats.com.

GC Athletics is now two-time winners of both the PBC Commissioner's Cup and the league's sportsmanship honor. As a Division II program, Bobcat Athletics prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the teams' continued appearances in post-season competition as well as high-level academic success and community-service involvement. Bobcat Athletics holds to the mantra of "Graduating Champions for Life". Sign up at @GCBobcats on all social media outlets for up-to-the-minute reports.