COLUMBUS, Ga. — Rylee Mills delivered another masterful performance in the circle and McKenzie Collins provided the offensive fireworks as the College of Coastal Georgia closed out the NFCA Leadoff Classic with a 3-1 victory over William Carey on Sunday morning, finishing the tournament on a high note at 13-2 on the season.
Mills was at her best when it mattered most, working all seven innings while allowing just one earned run on five hits and striking out two. The junior right-hander now stands a perfect 6-0 on the season and has been remarkably consistent throughout, giving the Mariners a reliable anchor at the top of the rotation who competes and wins regardless of the situation. William Carey managed to scratch across a run in the sixth on a J. Shaw sacrifice fly, but Mills navigated the seventh with runners on base to close out the game and preserve the victory.
Collins was the offensive star of the afternoon, turning in one of the most productive individual performances of her young season. The sophomore went 3-for-3 with a double and a home run, driving in the run that proved to be the decisive blow. Her solo shot to left field in the second inning gave CCGA a 3-0 cushion and took the air out of the William Carey dugout just as the Mariners were looking to pull away. It was a breakout performance for Collins, who has quietly been one of the most versatile contributors on this roster.
Coastal Georgia built their lead in the first two innings against William Carey starter J. Shaw, who struggled with command and issued three walks. Kaitlyn Carolino drew a leadoff walk in the first and came around to score on a Rily Andrews sacrifice fly, and Mackenzie Southerland followed with an RBI fielder's choice that plated Emma Jones to make it 2-0. Collins then put the game away in the second with her home run, giving the Mariners all the runs they would need.
William Carey reliever R. Hornsby settled things down after entering in the third, holding CCGA scoreless over four innings and striking out five to keep the Crusaders within striking distance. But Mills was equally locked in on the other side, and the Mariners' defense made the plays behind her when it counted.
The Mariners head home with valuable experience against tough opponents and the continued excellence of Mills in the circle serving as a foundation for what promises to be a special season.
