Down by four runs to Angelina College halfway through the second game of Wednesday’s doubleheader, Galveston College’s offense had been shut down until the sixth inning, when the Whitecaps unloaded for 12 unanswered runs to defeat the Roadrunners, 16-7, and sweep the twin bill.

The pair of road victories extended GC’s winning streak to eight games in a row and improved their overall record to 30-7 and 8-2 in the NJCAA DI Region 14 South Conference. Coupled with a pair of losses by San Jacinto College-South (27-17, 9-3) to Blinn College (22-14-1, 7-5), GC took over first place in the conference.

“Angelina is competitive and they had us against the ropes for a while, but I’m proud at how our team responded to the challenge to come back and win the game,” said Galveston College Athletic Director and Head Softball Coach, Kelly Raines. “Earlier this week we moved up a spot in the national rankings and now we were able to wrestle away first place in a very tough conference.”

Whitecaps sophomore right-handed pitcher Karlie Barba was knocked out in the opening inning, giving up three runs on three hits before being relieved by freshman righty Brynn Glidewell. The freshman pitched the remainder of game, allowing four runs on 10 hits to notch her third win of the season.

Although Barba relinquished her pitching role for the day, she came back strong offensively, going 3-for-3, including hitting three round trippers, scoring four runs and driving in three runs. GC shortstop Ella Herrewig and catcher Brooklyn Spencer also hit homers in the game. Herrewig went 2-for-3 with a couple of RBIs and Spencer went 1-for-4 with two RBIs.

In addition, Whitecaps designated player Emily Parks and center fielder Hannah Griffith each drove in three runs to help in GC’s comeback win.

GC started the first game opposite from the night cap. The Whitecaps scored five runs in the opening inning and built a 10-0 lead by the fourth frame.

The home team responded with three runs in their half of the fourth, but the visiting Whitecaps replied in kind in the fifth inning to secure the 10-run victory, 13-3.

GC right-handed starter Jenna Johnston tossed a five-inning complete game, allowed three runs and scattered 10 hits. Johnston struck out four opposing batters and improved to 16-3 on the season with the win.

The Whitecaps return to the friendly confines of the Lassie League Complex’s Carter Field for a six-game homestand, beginning Saturday against Louisiana State University-Eunice in a non-conference doubleheader. GC will host conference rival SJCS on April 10 and Lamar State College-Port Arthur on April 13. All games during the home stand will be played at 1 and 3:30 p.m., and are free and open to the public.

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.