ATLANTA — The Georgia State Panthers rallied for a statement win, scoring five runs in the sixth inning to defeat the Purdue Boilermakers 7-3 on Saturday evening for a Big Ten victory at Bob Heck Softball Complex.

Makayla Stephens (4-3) took the win working all 7.0 innings, holding Purdue scoreless over the final four innings to secure the comeback win. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
Purdue struck first in the top of the second, using back-to-back doubles to take a 1-0 lead. The Panthers answered immediately in the bottom half when Zoey Defoor lifted a sacrifice fly to center, bringing home Lauren Brister to even the score at 1-1.

The Boilermakers regained control in the third, capitalizing on a walk and an error to plate two unearned runs and move in front 3-1. Georgia State trimmed the margin in the bottom of the third as McKenzie Walker scored on a sacrifice fly from Chloe Hatcher, cutting the deficit to 3-2.

From there, the Panthers' defense and pitching settled in, keeping Purdue off the scoreboard.

Georgia State erupted for five runs in the sixth frame, highlighted by a two-run single from Ciarra Jefferson and RBI bunt singles from McKenzie Walker and Mia Mumpfield. The Panthers added two unearned runs in the inning, using speed on the bases and forcing defensive miscues to turn a one-run deficit into a 7-3 advantage.

The Panthers closed the door in the seventh, retiring Purdue without a run to seal the 7-3 victory.

GAME NOTES
» Georgia State scored five runs on five hits in the sixth inning.
» Georgia State held Purdue scoreless over the final four innings.
» Ciarra Jefferson led the Panthers with two RBI.
» The win marked the first Power Four victory for Georgia State since 2020.
» Makayla logged her fifth complete game of the season. 

UP NEXT
The Panthers wrap up the I-75 tournament on Sunday, Feb. 22, hosting the Yale Bulldogs. First pitch is set for 11 a.m.