CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Georgia State Panthers rolled past the Charleston Southern Buccaneers with an 8-0 run-rule victory Wednesday night at CSU Softball Complex. The Panthers were powered by Makayla Stephens, who dealt a one-hit shutout in the circle.
At the plate, Georgia State wasted no time putting pressure on the Buccaneers. Chloe Hatcher delivered a perfect 2-for-2 night, launching a home run, drawing a walk, and driving in two runs. Zoey Defoor matched the efficiency, going 2-for-2 with a triple, a walk, and an RBI. Ciarra Jefferson added to the surge with two hits in three at-bats, including a double and an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Georgia State Panthers jumped in front early and never looked back, plating the game's first run in the opening inning. Chloe Hatcher delivered an RBI single to center field to score senior McKenzie Walker, giving Georgia State a 1-0 lead.
The Panthers broke the game open in the second, erupting for four runs on three hits. Ciarra Jefferson ignited the inning with an RBI single that brought Payton O'Connor home. Back-to-back singles from Maya Bagsby and Maia Mumpfield pushed across two more runs, sending Georgia State into the third with a commanding 5-0 advantage.
Georgia State added to the cushion in the third when McKenzie Walker drove in Zoey Defoor to extend the lead to 6-0.
The Panthers put the finishing touches on the run-rule victory in the fourth. Hatcher crushed a solo home run to left field. Defoor later laced a triple to cap the scoring at 8-0, sealing the game in five innings with a run-rule win over the Charleston Southern Buccaneers.
GAME NOTES
» Makayla Stephens was dominant in the circle, firing a one-hit shutout for the Panthers.
» Stephens punched out seven Charleston Southern Buccaneers hitters in the complete-game effort.
» The Georgia State Panthers delivered their biggest blow in the second inning, scoring four runs to break the game open.
» Four Panthers recorded multi-hit performances in the win.
» Georgia State dominated offensively, out-hitting Charleston Southern 11-1.
» McKenzie Walker added pressure on the base paths, swiping two bases.
» The Panthers capitalized on opportunities, going 6-for-13 (.462) with runners in scoring position.
» Panthers pitchers faced just 18 hitters, striking out seven.
» Georgia State showed patience at the plate, drawing four walks.
» Chloe Hatcher led the offense, finishing a perfect 2-for-2 with a home run and two RBIs.
UP NEXT
The Georgia State Panthers remain in Charleston for a three-game weekend series against the College of Charleston Cougars. First pitch is set for Friday, Feb. 27 at 5 p.m.
