Fast Start, Strong Pitching Power Eagles Past Panthers, 4-1

Thursday, April 30

Atlanta, GA

6 PM

Georgia Southern University

22-28, 9-13

Georgia State

25-29, 4-18

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
Ga. Southern	2	0	0	0	0	0	2	4	7	0
Georgia St.	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	4	3

4/30/2026 8:48:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

ATLANTA – The Georgia Southern Eagles (22-28, 9-13 SBC) used a fast start and dominant pitching to secure a 4-1 win over in-state rival the Georgia State Panthers (25-29, 4-18 SBC) on Thursday evening.

The Eagles wasted no time jumping ahead in the first inning.

After two walks put runners on, Emma Davis delivered the game's biggest early swing, ripping a double to left-center that scored Kayla Christensen and Delanie Thames for a 2-0 lead. That double (37) tied Davis for No. 7 in program history for career doubles alongside Emily Snider ('14-17).

Despite an early jump, Georgia State answered quickly in the bottom half with an RBI single to cut the deficit to 2-1, but that would be all the Panthers could muster offensively.

From that point on, senior pitcher Alana Barnard took control.

The right-hander was outstanding in the circle, tossing a complete game while allowing just four hits and one run, striking out 10 batters – a career game-high – and walking only one. She and the Eagles' defense consistently shut down Georgia State threats, including back-to-back scoreless innings in the middle frames where the Panthers managed just three baserunners.

While Barnard handled the pitching duties, the Eagles' offense added insurance.

In the seventh inning, Brooke Kell reached on an error to spark the rally. Delanie Thames followed with an RBI single up the middle to extend the lead to 3-1.

Moments later, another defensive miscue by Georgia State allowed Thames to score on a play off the bat of Davis, pushing the advantage to 4-1 .

Davis led the way offensively, going 3-for-4 with a double and two RBI, while Thames added two hits and scored twice. Georgia Southern finished with seven hits and took advantage of three Georgia State errors.

The Panthers were held to just four hits on the night and struck out 10 times, struggling to generate consistent offense after the opening inning.

With the win, Georgia Southern improved its conference standing behind a complete team effort as tournament play nears.