STATESBORO - Freshman Alana Barnard notched her first collegiate shutout in the circle and junior Courtney Ball drove in three runs as Georgia Southern softball closed out the GATA Challenge with a 4-0 win over North Carolina A&T on Sunday at Eagle Field.

The Eagles improved to 7-8 with the victory, while North Carolina A&T fell to 2-11. Georgia Southern returns to action on Friday, traveling to Tallahassee, Fla., to take part in the Dugout Club Classic, hosted by No. 6 Florida State.

The Eagles took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second as Olivia Creamer avoided a tag at third base, allowing Ball to score on a fielder's choice.

Ball then singled home Janai Conklin in the fourth inning for the 2-0 lead.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Eagles loaded the bases and Ball delivered a two-run double to left center for the 4-0 advantage.

Barnard, meanwhile, kept the Aggies off balance all day, allowing just a pair of hits, walking four and striking out a season-high six to notch her first collegiate victory. Joey Barkhimer (1-1) took the loss for the Aggies, giving up seven hits and four runs in 4 2/3 innings of work, walking four and striking out one.

Ball finished the game 3-for-3 with a double and three RBI, while Faith Barth went 2-for-3.