ROCK HILL, S.C. — The Georgia State Panthers (16-9, 0-0 SBC) closed out the weekend with a 4-1 victory over the East Tennessee State Buccaneers on Sunday morning at Terry Field.

Behind another dominant outing in the circle, Makayla Stephens (12-4) tossed a complete game, allowing just one run on two hits while striking out seven and walking three across seven innings.

Offensively, the Panthers were sparked by Dillyn Suggs, who delivered two-run homer in the sixth inning to cushion Georgia State's lead.

HOW IT HAPPENED
East Tennessee State struck first in the second inning, launching a solo home run to left field to give the Buccaneers a 1-0 lead.

Georgia State answered in the third inning. Maya Bagsby lined an RBI single to right center that scored Morgan Willingham and moved McKenzie Walker to third. Moments later, Bagsby stole second, and Walker came home on a throwing error by the catcher to give the Panthers a 2-1 advantage.

The Panther defense kept ETSU off the board the rest of the way, holding the Buccaneers to just one additional hit.

Georgia State added insurance in the sixth inning when Dillyn Suggs blasted a two-run homer to right center, scoring Maia Mumpfield and pushing the lead to 4-1. Stephens closed the door in the seventh to secure the victory.

GAME NOTES
» Stephens recorded seven strikeouts and allowed just two hits in her seventh complete game win of the season.
» Georgia State scored in two innings, with its biggest frame coming in the sixth when the Panthers plated two runs.
» The Panthers out-hit ETSU 3-2 in the contest.
» Georgia State pitching faced 27 batters, producing five groundouts and nine flyouts.
» The Panthers drew four walks at the plate.
» Suggs led the offense, going 1-for-1 with a home run and two RBIs.
» Walker and Bagsby each added stolen bases for Georgia State.

UP NEXT
The Panthers return to Bob Heck Softball Complex this week, hosting Kennesaw State in a midweek matchup on Tuesday before welcoming Marshall for a weekend series to open conference play.