TROY, Ala. – Georgia State softball (19-14, 1-5 SBC) was backed by another dominant outing from Makayla Stephens on Sunday, but came up just short in a 2-1 walk-off loss to Troy (20-10, 3-3 SBC) at the Troy Softball Complex.

Stephens struck out eight over 6.1 strong innings, allowing just two earned runs on five hits while issuing one walk in a tightly contested pitcher's duel. She faced 30 batters and held the Trojans hitless in five at-bats with runners in scoring position, keeping Troy off the board through the first four innings.

HOW IT HAPPENED
After four scoreless innings, Troy broke through in the fifth inning, using aggressive baserunning to take a 1-0 lead.

The Panthers responded in the seventh, as Lauren Brister delivered a clutch RBI double to left field to score Payton O'Connor, tying the game at 1-1.

Troy answered in the bottom half of the seventh, using a walk-off RBI double down the right field line to secure the 2-1 win.

GAME NOTES
» Stephens struck out eight and allowed just two runs across 6.1 innings.
» Georgia State scored its lone run in the seventh inning.
» The Panthers recorded four hits, with Lauren Brister tallying the team's only extra-base hit.
» Georgia State went 2-for-5 (.400) with runners in scoring position.
» Panther pitching held Troy to 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position.
» Caitlyn Hall and Ciarra Jefferson each recorded a hit.

ON DECK
Georgia State returns to Atlanta for a midweek matchup against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Wednesday, March 25. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Mewborn Field.