Red-hot AU softball team sweeps Anderson

By Josh Picklesimer | Sports writer

Augusta University swept perennial power Anderson University in collegiate softball action on Thursday, Feb. 16, at Jaguar Softball field.

It was AU’s sixth straight win. No. 12 Anderson had its first two losses of the season after 10 straight wins.

Alissa Bolinger (4-1) pitched a four-hitter to win the opener 4-1. Bolinger continued her quality-start streak with another seven-inning outing.

Star batter of the game was Bobbi Poff, who homered for Augusta.

“Bobbi has been a great addition to our team.,” AU Coach Melissa Brocato said. “She came in in January to help fill a need for more depth in the middle infield. She is doing a great job on both sides of the game and has been a great fit off the field as well.”

In the second game, the Jaguars (8-2) won 10-7. Augusta had to continually come back throughout the game. Lauren Slade led the way with a 4-for-4 game. Paige Patterson went 3 for 4 and Bailee Roberts 2 for 4 for the home team.

Lauren Evens hit a three-run homer for AU in the sixth inning. Indeed, the Jaguars scored five runs in the sixth to put the game away.

Freshman Hannah Turner relieved Ansley Gibson and pitched one-hit ball for two innings. Gibson (4-1) was credited with the victory.

“Our pitching has been doing a great job in holding down some really good offensive teams,” Brocato said. “(Assistant) Coach (Brianna) Strickland calls our games and has a great relationship with our pitchers and catcher and really has them buying in and working hard.”

AU plays at Belmont Abbey on Feb. 18.

“We need to stay focused on the little things and don’t get ahead of ourselves as players or coaches,” Brocato said of how the Jaguars can maintain their strong start to the season. “We need to take one game at a time and give it all we have there. We need to stay consistent on our focus, training and attitudes. This team has been great at buying in and believing in each other and their coaches. In my opinion, that kind of trust has been huge for our early success and I am hopeful it continues. Any time you experience success, you have to stay humble and keep trusting in the things that got you where you are. For us, it’s hard work, trust and staying relaxed.”

AU catcher Paige Patterson went 3 for 4 in the game two win over Anderson. At the top of the page, Jaguar shortstop Shelbie Summerlin shows her form at the plate. (photos by Madison Keel)