Coastal Georgia dropped its second game of the Sun Conference Tournament on Thursday evening, falling to Keiser 9-3 to close out the day at 35-11. The Mariners competed throughout and showed plenty of fight, but a six-run fifth inning by the Seahawks proved to be the difference in a game that was still very much within reach heading into that frame.
Coastal Georgia actually had plenty of opportunities early. The Mariners loaded the bases in the first inning before Kaitlyn Carolino was thrown out at the plate trying to score, and the offense continued to generate chances throughout. Rylee Mills delivered an RBI single in the third to tie the game at one, and the Mariners added another in the fifth on another RBI single by Mills to pull within 3-2 and keep the game competitive.
Keiser had other ideas, however, erupting for six runs in the bottom of the fifth to put the game out of reach. Jordan Brantley delivered the big blow with a two-run double, and Macy Schaaf added a two-RBI single as the Seahawks sent eight batters to the plate and took advantage of several walks to extend their lead to 9-2.
The Mariners did not quit, with Rily Andrews delivering a seventh-inning RBI single to score Hannah Bailey and account for the final 9-3 margin. It was a fitting reflection of a team that competed until the final out.
Mills was outstanding at the plate despite the loss, going 3-for-4 with two RBI in one of her best offensive performances of the season. Carolino went 2-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored, Andrews added a hit and an RBI, and Emilia Clemons and Mackenzie Southerland each contributed hits to keep the Mariner offense moving throughout.
Coastal Georgia will look to regroup and continue tournament play tomorrow.
