The Georgia Southern softball team went 2-3 in the 2019 Madeira Beach Invitational this past weekend, behind Logan Harrell’s statement performances.

In the first game of the tournament, GS fell to Florida A&M in a 5-1 decision. The Rattlers were strong on bat behind Kyaira Brown and Tyra Bowers. Freshman pitcher Jess Mazur only struck out one in her three innings, allowing two hits, two runs, and two walks. GS only score of the game was due to a home run by freshman first baseman Faith Shirley.

In the second game, GS fell to FIU 6-5 in a competitive showdown. In the sixth inning, Logan Harrell a home run to put GS up for the first time all day with a close 5-4 score. FIU sealed their victory with two singles in the seventh. Sophomore pitcher Rylee Waldrep allowed 11 hits, six runs, and struck one.

Saturday, GS bounced back with a 9-4 win over Boston College. This is the first GS softball win over an ACC school since 2010. It was a successful day on bat behind Logan Harrell’s seventh season home run, Mekhia Freeman’s first season home run, and two hits from Ellington Day. Both Mazur and freshman right hander Ashleigh Morton saw action in the win.

Unfortunately, GS couldn’t keep this momentum going as they fell to St.John’s 7-3. St.John’s scored all seven of their runs in the first three innings, while GS made their three runs campaign with senior infielder Hannah Ferrell, Shirley, and sophomore catcher Allyssah Mullis. Waldrep gave up five hits, six runs, and one walk.

In the last game of the tournament, GS redeemed themselves against Siena College 10-2 in five innings. The Eagles were led by Shirley, who scored three runs, and Logan Harrell who scored her eighth season home run. Freeman also added in a run, with her bases load RBI single.

GS improves to 13-7 overall and will start conference play this Friday against rival Appalachian State in Boone, N.C.

Amanda Arnold, The George-Anne Sports Reporter, gasports@georgiasouthern.edu