No. 13 Gaston College extends winning streak to 14 after another long layoff

The second long layoff of the regular season wasn't a problem for Gaston College's No. 13-ranked softball team on Wednesday afternoon as the Rhinos picked up a 24-0 shutout and 17-0 shutout over USC Sumter by the "mercy" rule in a Region 10 Division I doubleheader sweep.

Gaston College increased its winning streak to 14 games as it played its first games in eight days for the second time in the last month.

"It was a good day for us," said Gaston College coach Mike Steuerwald, whose team improved to 47-3 overall and 14-0 in conference play. "The thing I continue to be impressed with is our ability to stay in rhythm after these long breaks."

Right-handers Kristyn Ezzo (1-hitter, 5 strikeouts, 77 pitches) and Abigail Brewton (3-hitter, 6 strikeouts, 58 pitches) had efficient shutouts and the offense scored runs in all eight innings with the help of 31 hits.

"I thought Ezzo and Brew had a little bit of rust from not seeing live action but both threw really well today," Steuerwald said. "Brew limited the free passes and both made really good pitches whenever Sumter got runners in scoring position.
"And we did a great job offensively."

Mary Hinson (5 hits, triple, home run, 8 RBIs), Skye Harrington (4 hits, home run, 5 RBIs), Alayna Patrick (3 hits, 2 doubles, home run, 5 RBIs), Grace Kealy (3 hits, 2 doubles, 2 RBIs), Katelyn Brandon (3 hits, double, 1 RBI), Savanna Mullins (3 hits, 2 doubles, home run, 2 RBIs), Kendall Bradshaw (2 doubles, 5 RBIs), Sarah Johnson (2 hits, 3 RBIs), Addison Marr (2 hits, home run, 2 RBIs), McKenna Jones (2 hits, double) and Arissa Duff (triple, RBI) led the offense with Hinson and Marr notching their first career home runs.

Gaston College returns to action on Saturday in a noon doubleheader at USC Union.