Fire Ants fall to East Georgia State College for Season Opener

Sumter, SC (Athletics): 

Game One: East Georgia State College 7, USC Sumter 6 

USC Sumter out-hit its opponent, eight to six, with Emma Wargel and Tatum Swearingen each collecting two hits. Emma Gaulden drove in two runs from the eighth spot in the lineup, finishing 1-for-5.

The Fire Ants erupted offensively in the top of the fifth inning, plating five runs behind aggressive base running and timely hits, including RBI efforts from Swearingen and Gaulden.

East Georgia tied the game in the seventh inning before USC Sumter briefly reclaimed the lead in the eighth. However, a walk-off single in the ninth sealed the outcome.  

Abigail McManus led USC Sumter in the circle, pitching eight and one-third innings while striking out five. The Fire Ants were aggressive on the bases, swiping three stolen bases in the contest. 

East Georgia used speed to its advantage, recording nine stolen bases and drawing five walks on the day. 

Game Two: East Georgia State College 5, USC Sumter 1

 Despite out-hitting East Georgia State College five to three, USC Sumter fell 5-1 in the final game of the doubleheader. Emma Gaulden, Bailey Driggers, Abigail McManus, Eliya Hagan, and Sienna Levy each recorded a hit for the Fire Ants. 

East Georgia capitalized early, scoring five runs in the bottom of the first inning with the help of defensive miscues and a passed ball. 

Abigail Hooks got the start in the circle for USC Sumter and delivered a steady outing, allowing just three hits over six innings while striking out four. Only one of the five runs allowed was earned. 

USC Sumter turned a double play defensively, while East Georgia was aided by four walks and timely situational hitting to secure the win.