TIGERVILLE, S.C. - The Augusta Jaguars opened their 2025 softball season with a strong performance on Saturday afternoon, powering past North Greenville 10-5 in the opener before coming up short 4-2 in the second game of the doubleheader.
In Game 1, Augusta (1-0) set the tone early as Cadance Winder crushed a two-run home run to left field in the first inning, bringing home Bobbi Poff, who had reached on a walk. The Jaguars built on their lead in the fifth when Ayellad Howard led off with a bunt single, setting up Winder's RBI single to cut into the deficit. Payton Terrell followed with another RBI single, making it a one-run game.
Augusta's offense exploded in the sixth, taking control with a three-run inning. Sophie Baker's sacrifice fly brought home two runs after a wild pitch allowed another Jaguar to cross the plate, giving Augusta a lead they would not relinquish. Bailee Roberts added an RBI single to extend the advantage. The Jaguars tacked on three more runs in the seventh, with Winder driving in two on a single and Kelsea Moody adding an RBI hit to put the game away.
Madalyn Spinks (1-0) delivered in the circle, tossing four scoreless innings in relief while allowing just three hits and striking out two. Winder finished with three RBIs, while Moody and Howard each tallied two hits to fuel the offense.
Game 2 saw Augusta (1-1) take an early lead once again. Poff singled and came around to score when Winder ripped a double to left field in the third inning, putting the Jaguars in front. The offense threatened again in the fifth as Poff and Roberts reached base, and Moody added another single, but Augusta was unable to capitalize.
Trailing late, the Jaguars pushed for a comeback in the seventh when Roberts drew a walk and came home on Moody's RBI double, cutting the deficit to 4-2. Augusta kept the pressure on but couldn't push across the tying run.
Ansley Gibson (0-1) started in the circle, working five innings while allowing just four hits. Moody led Augusta's offense with two hits, including a double, while Winder also contributed an RBI double.
Augusta returns to action Sunday with a home doubleheader against Catawba beginning at 12 p.m. at Jaguar Field.