Georgia softball falls to Liberty in first game of region play
Georgia softball began NCAA Region play on Friday as the Dawgs fell 2-0 to Liberty in the tournament’s first game Dawgs couldn’t get hot offensively, which ultimately cost them, but it was a great game on the mound.
Liberty held Georgia to three hits and didn’t give up a run, which is impressive because the Dawgs know how to score.
Georgia softball will have a tough hill to climb to last in the NCAA Tournament.
Madison Kerpics was the starting pitcher for the Dawgs, but she gave up a first-inning two-run homer, ultimately sealing the game for Liberty.
She did throw six scoreless innings and struck out 10 batters, which was one short of a career high. So while she did her job, that one little slip-up in the first inning was too costly.
Savana Sikes recorded two of the Dawgs’ three hits, including her double in the second inning. Lyndi Rae Davis was the other player who recorded a hit during the game.
Georgia isn’t out of the tournament yet, but they will have a more challenging road to advance now. They will play the loser of the Duke and UMBC game on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
If they win that game on Saturday, they will have to play the loser of the Liberty and the winner of the Duke and UMBC matchup in the second elimination game.
Two losses and the Dawgs are out, so it has to be victories from now until the end if Oklahoma City is in their sight. This scenario isn’t impossible or even crazy because things like that happen all the time, but it will take a lot of concentration and precision.
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Georgia softball needs to put this loss behind them and know it doesn’t define them. They are still in the hunt, it just may take a little longer to advance than it has in the past. There is nothing wrong with a little adversity smacking a team in the mouth to get them to step up to the plate.