GULF SHORES, Ala. - The No. 6 University of North Georgia (UNG) softball team opened the 2026 season with a split on day one of the Gulf Shores Invitational. The Nighthawks fell 8-5 to Northeastern State in the opener before rebounding with a 4-0 victory over Union.
Game 1: Northeastern State 8, UNG 5
The Nighthawks dropped their season opener to Northeastern State, 8-5. The Riverhawks struck first with an RBI double in the top of the second inning before UNG answered in the bottom half on a single by Sydnee Reaves that scored Kaitlyn Johnson.
Northeastern State scored three runs in the third inning to take a 4-1 lead. Marycille Brumby responded with a solo home run in the bottom of the inning to cut the deficit to two.
The Riverhawks added two runs in both the fourth and sixth innings to build an 8-2 advantage. North Georgia attempted a late rally in the seventh, as Jenna Miles, Kayla Berry and Emma Hare all scored, but the comeback fell short.
UNG totaled 13 hits in the game, led by Brumby, who went 4-for-4 at the plate.
Graci West started in the circle for the Nighthawks, allowing four runs on four hits in three innings with two strikeouts. Lila Mullinax pitched the final four innings, surrendering four runs on five hits with three walks and three strikeouts.
Game 2: UNG 4, Union 0
North Georgia jumped out to an early lead in game two, as Reaves opened the game with a leadoff solo home run. The Nighthawks extended the lead in the second inning when Ava Lunsford drove in two runs with an RBI double.
Brumby continued her strong day at the plate with an RBI double in the third inning to push the lead to 4-0.
The Nighthawks finished with eight hits, led by Johnson who went 3-for-4 at the plate.
Chloe Poss went the distance in the circle, tossing a complete-game shutout. She allowed no runs on eight hits with one walk and five strikeouts.
The Nighthawks return to action Feb. 1 at the Gulf Shores Invitational with games against Florida Tech and Delta State. First pitch against Florida Tech is scheduled for 11 a.m.
