AUGUSTA, Ga. – Using six runs in the third inning including a grand slam, as well as four combined runs in the first and second innings, the August State Jaguars overwhelmed the visiting UNCP softball team in five innings, 10-1, for the Peach Belt Conference victory with the Lady Braves on Sunday afternoon.

The Lady Braves (16-19, 2-6) notched one hit from senior Holly Berry, junior Taylor Cloninger and sophomore Brea Hartley. The Jaguars finished the contest with 11 hits as Molly Walton, Erika Burkhart, Macy Terry and Laura Brown each had two hits, while Walton drove in four RBI.

Junior Katy Austin (3-4) recorded one out with three earned runs on a walk and two hits, before Natalie Klemann gave up six runs (five earned) on seven hits in two-full innings. Senior Starr Gilley ended the 1-2/3 innings with two hits and one earned run. Haley Birkle (2-5) pitched a complete game for Augusta State with three hits allowed and one earned run given up.

The Jaguars capitalized on an error, two hits and a walk to score the first three runs in the first inning, before adding an extra run on two hits in the second. UNCP cut the Augusta State lead to three runs as Cloninger singled through the right side and scored on Berry's base hit to left center in the third.

Augusta State put the game away after 10 at-bats in the third inning. Burkhart led off the inning with a single up the middle and with four extra hits, a hit by pitch and fielder's choice, one run was scored prior to a grand slam by Walton which drove in four additional runs. The Jaguars posted two more hits after the homer for an additional run and a final score of 10-1.

The Lady Braves will return home on Wednesday for its first home matchup since March 9 with a twinbill against Mansfield (5-5) beginning at 3 p.m. at LRA Field.