HIGHLIGHTS:
• Morgan Robinson blasted a two-run home run in the top of the 1^st
• Robinson finished the game with 3 RBI
• Eagles turned two double plays
• Emily Snider hit her 7^th double of the year in the 5th

SAN MARCOS, Texas – Behind a potent offense and a stingy defense, the Georgia Southern softball team opened their second year in the Sun Belt Conference with a 6-1 win over Texas State at Bobcat Softball Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Eagles (13-7, 1-0) recorded 11 hits, including four extra base knocks, led by Lydia Witkowski's perfect 4-for-4 outing at the plate. She also scored two runs and batted in another. Behind Witkowski, Taylor Rogers went 2-for-4 with a pair of runs scored. Morgan Robinson and India Davis scored the other two runs for the Eagles as seven total Eagles registered a hit. Robinson finished the game with three RBI.
 
Georgia Southern wasted little time jumping all over Texas State (17-6, 0-1) in the top of the first inning as Robinson ripped a home run over the right field wall, scoring Taylor Rogers.
 
In the bottom of the inning, the Bobcats were able to get a pair of runners into scoring position before Kendall Wiley hit a fly ball to Witkowski in left field. As soon as Witkowski made the catch, Braegan Hamilton tagged up at third and tried to race home, but Witkowski's arm was too strong as evidence by her getting the ball to A.J. Hamilton at home to complete the double play and hold the Bobcats scoreless.
 
In the top of the fifth, the Eagles tacked on a couple insurance runs led by Emily Snider ripping her seventh double of the season to score Witkowski from second. Robinson then followed up by hitting the ball to the first baseman, scoring Rogers from third for her third RBI of the game.
 
The Eagles rounded out their scoring in the sixth inning after Davis laid down a great bunt that gave her plenty of time to reach first safely. Witkowski then ripped a rocket down the first base foul line, easily churning out a triple and scoring Davis all the way from first. Rogers then reached safely on a throwing error by the shortstop and Witkowski cruised home to put the Eagles up 6-0.
 
The Bobcats were able to get one run back in the bottom of the seventh inning when Corrina Liscano knocked a home run to left field, but that was all the offense they could muster as freshman Dixie Raley and the Eagle defense shut the door after that.
 
Raley (9-3) recorded the win in the circle as she gave up just three hits, one run and struck out four batters, including the last two of the game. For Texas State, Sara Rupp (11-4) was saddled with the loss for Texas State as she gave up the 11 hits and five earned runs despite striking out 11 batters.
 
Georgia Southern and Texas State will close out the series on Sunday with a doubleheader. First pitch of the first game is slated for 1 p.m. Eastern standard time with the second game to follow approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first game.
 
COACH SMITH SAYS
"I'm really proud of the team. They've worked hard all year and they continue to get better. That was a very good team and a very good pitcher we just faced and our team had good at-bats, played really good defense, and Dixie pitched a good game, as well. It was just a great team win and I'm happy for our players as they get rewarded for all that hard work they've put in."
 
 
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