DAHLONEGA, GA – On Saturday morning, the Emmanuel Softball team took on #1 University of North Georgia in the Captain D's Surf & Turf Classic, falling to the Nighthawk 11-3. With the loss, the Lions fall to 3-5 on the season. 
 
The Lions got things started in the 2^nd with a solo home-run by Alyssa Adams to give Emmanuel a 1-0 lead. 
 
The Nighthawk remained scoreless until the bottom of the 4^th inning when they scored 7 runs on 3 hits to take a 7-1 lead. 
 
The Lions responded in the top of the 5^th. Gabby Buffington doubled to left center to start the inning off. Isabel Harrison grounded out the 2^nd base, advancing Buffington to 3^rd. Ciara Passmore followed that up with a single to the pitcher, advancing on a bunt by Ellee Varner. Jaryn Gibson kept things going for the Lions with a single to right field to score Buffington and advance the runners, making the score 7-2 Nighthawk. Adams reached on a fielder's choice, advancing runners and scoring Passmore to make the score 7-3. 
 
The Nighthawk added two runs on 2 hits and an error in the bottom of the 5^th, leaving three on base to take a 9-3 lead. 
 
UNG would add two more runs in the bottom of the 6^th on four hits to make the final score 11-3. 
 
At the plate, Ellee Varner, Gabby Buffington, and Jaryn Gibson went 2-3. 
 
On the mound, Isabel Harrison got the start pitching 3.1 innings, facing 21 batters, giving up 6 runs on 3 hits. Kaitlyn Pickens relieved her in the 4^th and pitched 1.1 innings facing 8 batters. She gave up 3 runs (2 earned) on 3 hits, walking two and striking out one. Macy Kelley closed out the game for the Lions, pitching 1 inning and giving up 2 runs on 4 hits. 
 
Next up, the Lions will play West Georgia at 2PM on Saturday.
 
For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.