In an exhilarating doubleheader at home, the Galveston College Whitecaps softball team split a doubleheader against Grayson College on Saturday at the Lassie League Complex.

The Whitecaps defeated the Lady Vikings in the first game of the twin bill, 10-6, and fell short in the nightcap, 6-3. The loss was the first of the season for Galveston College (7-1) and it also marked the end of a seven-game winning streak to start the season.

Grayson College, which reached the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series last season, improved to 4-2.

“This was a good test for the team because the season will only get tougher as we get closer to playing conference games,” said Whitecaps Athletic Director and Head Softball Coach, Kelly Raines. “We had a good run to open the season and we split the doubleheader against a talented Grayson College squad that advanced to the NJCAA World Series last year.”

In the opening game of the twin bill, the Whitecaps took an early 4-0 lead in the first inning and increased it to 7-2 by the fifth frame. The Lady Vikings mounted a comeback attempt with four runs in the sixth to cut the home team’s lead to 7-6.

Galveston College answered with three runs in the home half of the sixth and shut down Grayson College’s bats in the seventh and final inning to claim the victory, 10-6.

Whitecaps shortstop Ella Herrewig went 3-for-3 with a pair of home runs, three runs scored and three RBIs.

Galveston College starting right-handed pitcher Jenna Johnston improved to 4-0 on the season after pitching 5 1/3 innings, allowing six runs on eight hits and striking out half a dozen batters. Righthander Brynn Glidewell came on in relief and notched her first save of the year after pitching 1 2/3 innings of shutout ball. She allowed only three hits and struck out two.

For Grayson College, starting pitcher Jennaye Williams was tagged for the loss and dropped to 2-1. She allowed six runs on five hits and struck out six Whitecaps in 3 2/3 innings of work.

In the second game, the home team’s bats were silenced for much of the game and could only muster one run in the first five innings.

Down 4-1 in the sixth frame, the Whitecaps got two runs back to come within a run of tying the game.

However, the Lady Vikings scored a couple of insurance runs in the seventh and final inning to hold off Galveston College’s comeback and seal the 6-3 win.

Whitecaps right-handed hurler Karlie Barba pitched a complete game, gave up six runs on seven hits and struck out seven opposing batters. With the loss Barba dropped to 2-1.

Galveston College catcher Brooklyn Spencer went 2-for-2, scored once and drove in a pair of runs for the Whitecaps.

Grayson College pitcher Bailey Kite (1-0) claimed her first victory of the season. She allowed three runs on five hits and struck out 10 Whitecaps.

The Whitecaps will be back in action at home field with a pair of games each on Feb. 15 against Monroe College at 12 and 2 p.m., and Feb. 21 against Kilgore College at 1 and 3 p.m. Both series will be played at the Lassie League Complex.

For more information about the Galveston College Whitecaps softball program, rosters and season schedule, visit https://www.gcwhitecaps.com/landing/index.

ABOUT GALVESTON COLLEGE

Galveston College was founded in 1967 and is a comprehensive community college providing the residents of Galveston Island and the surrounding region with academic, workforce development, continuing education and community service programs.