Highlanders Punch Ticket to the NJCAA Softball World Series In Thrilling Fashion

LOCUST GROVE, GA:  The fourth-seeded Gordon State Softball program advanced to the NJCAA Softball World Series with a 4-2 victory over Georgia Military College on Saturday night in the NJCAA Region XVII Tournament.  Hurler Katelyn Munoz scatterd just four hits and two runs over seven innngs of work, while striking out seven Bulldogs. 

The Highlanders struck first in the top of the 3rd inning in textbook fashion as Aleeya Claridy led off the inning with a single to right field.  Rebecca Graham sacrificed Claridy to second and then Kendall Huelsman drove in Claridy with a double to right field.  Kelyse Harris added some insurance runs for the Highlanders in the 4th with a two-run homerun to right field, scoring Sydney Knight.  Knight sealed the deal in the top of the seventh with a solo shot to left field. 

The Highlanders hit .349 for the tournament, belting nine doubles, ten homeruns and plating 29 runs.  Knight was named the tournament MVP.  Raeghan Byrom along with Huelsman and Munoz were also named to the all-tournament team.  

The 16 team National Championship will be held in Oxford, AL May 23-27th.  The bracket reveal will take place on NJCAA TV Friday, May 21st at 11:00 AM.