The Highlanders split the weekend in a four-game series at home with the fifth-ranked Walters State Lady Senators. Gordon won back-to-back games Friday night and lost two on Saturday.
Game 1 — February 7, 2025
Gordon State defeated Walters State 8-7 in a thrilling battle to begin the series. Standouts from the game include Lauren Wilcher (Barnesville, GA). She went 3-for-4 with a triple, three runs scored, and an RBI. Katie Lemonds (McDonough, GA) tallied up two hits, two runs, and drove in a pair of runs. Macey Batchelor (Jackson, GA) earned three RBIs, including a sacrifice fly. Faith Southern (McDonough, GA) got a double, and Makenna Cole (Newnan, GA) reached base three times in three at bats with two hits. Lauren Wilcher, Riley Haley (Eastman, GA), and Abby Arnold (Covington, GA) each stole a base.
In the circle, Kaylee MacDonald (Macon, GA) faced 21 batters until Autumn Hinkley (Milner, GA) pitched in relief. Hinkley faced the final 12 batters and earned the win.
Game 2 — February 7, 2025
For the second game, the Highlanders defeated the Lady Senators 11-10. Faith Southern went yicketty and earned four RBIs, drew two walks, and scored twice. Emme Hartman (McDonough, GA) and Katie Lemonds each drove in two Highlander runs. Lauren Wilcher, Kaylee MacDonald, Abbie Havard (Warner Robins, GA), and Macey Batchelor all earned RBIs. Cara Bishop (Barnesville, GA) hit a double, and Nevaeh Stevens (McDonough, GA) got a stolen base.
Autumn Hinkley came through with another great relief performance, allowing just two hits and striking out three.
Game 3 — February 8, 2025
Saturday did not begin in Gordon State’s favor. Walters State defeated the Highlanders 11-0. A tough game for the Highlander offense, Gordon left 17 runners on base. Lauren Wilcher and Emmee Hartman had one hit each. Abbie Havard had two hits.
Game 4 — February 8, 2025
The Highlanders showed a better performance in the final game as they tried to take the series win, but settled for a split. Gordon fell 15-8. Macey Batchelor went 4-for-5 with a home run, a double, and three RBIs. Lauren Wilcher also went yard, drove in two runs, and scored twice. Faith Southern, Lily Alpough (Williamson, GA), and Katie Lemonds each brought in runs. Anna Baldwin (Newnan, GA) hit a double and crossed the plate twice. Batchelor stole one base.
GCAA Players of the Week
Two Highlander ladies earned recognition from the conference. The GCAA Player of the Week was Faith Southern. Former Lamar County Trojan Autumn Hinkley was selected as GCAA Pitcher of the Week.
Grant Turner is the editor of the Barnesville Buzz and an educator, coach, and writer based in Barnesville, Georgia. He shares stories that bridge community, faith, and personal growth. In addition to teaching and coaching, Grant is Director of Musical Worship and a Sunday School teacher at New Hope Baptist Church in Zebulon, Georgia. He lives in Barnesville with his wife, Haley.
