ATLANTA – The Georgia State Panthers out-hit the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, but couldn't capitalize, falling 4-3 Thursday night at the Bob Heck Softball Complex.

Makayla Stephens turned in a complete-game effort in the circle, striking out six over seven innings.

At the plate, Lauren Brister provided the big swing, going 1-for-3 with a three-run homer in the fourth. Chloe Hatcher added a 2-for-3 performance with a double, while Zoey Defoor also recorded two hits.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Coastal Carolina jumped out early in the second inning, using a two-run home run to take a 2-0 lead.

Georgia State responded in the fourth with its most productive inning of the night. Hatcher led things off with a double, and Allison Jones followed by reaching base to put two runners on. Brister then delivered, sending a three-run shot to left field to give the Panthers a 3-2 advantage.

The Chanticleers evened the score in the fifth, taking advantage of defensive miscues as an error allowed the tying run to cross the plate.

Coastal reclaimed the lead in the sixth with a solo home run, putting the visitors ahead 4-3.

The Panthers threatened late, but couldn't find the equalizer in the final frame, as Coastal held on to secure the 4-3 decision.

GAME NOTES
» Georgia State's highest scoring inning came in the fourth, plating three runs.
» The Panthers out-hit the Chanticleers, 7-5.
» Georgia State held Coastal Carolina hitless (0-for-4) with runners in scoring position.
» Stephens faced 29 batters and recorded six strikeouts.
» Brister accounted for all three RBIs with her fourth-inning home run.

ON DECK
Georgia State returns to the field Friday afternoon for game two of the series against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. at the Bob Heck Softball Complex.