BYU softball: Team falls in NCAA tourney

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The BYU women's softball team fell to No. 23 Georgia 4-0 in the NCAA Chapel Hill Regional Championship on Saturday.

The Cougars were unable to gain momentum offensively. They notched only three hits and were struck out four times as they continued to drive balls to the Georgia defense, which was without an error during the game.

"We are disappointed we couldn't get the job done but I'm proud of our team," BYU coach Gordon Eakin said. "Our seniors did a good job of guiding our young team and we have a bright future. You have got to give a lot of credit to Georgia. They stuck it to us twice, and they are a great team. "

Senior hurler Christina Gwyn-Trice received the loss. She threw four-plus innings and gave up all four runs, two earned, in her final showing as a Cougar. She completes the season 19-9, holding every BYU strikeout record.

Gwyn-Trice remained in control against Georgia's batters until the fifth inning, when she gave up a pair of singles and a walk to allow one run.

BYU sophomore Christie Zinanti came in to relieve Gwyn-Trice with no outs. A hit batsman loaded the bases for Georgia. Zinanti made the play on a ground ball to catch the lead runner with the force out at home.

Emi Snow-Willing took a dive as the Georgia baserunner slid into home, mid-throw to botch the double play and allow two runners to score. Georgia led 4-0 after five full innings.

Zinanti threw a perfect sixth inning, and BYU was unable to drive in a run in the top of the seventh, leaving the game 4-0.

In the Cougars' fifth NCAA tournament appearance, BYU (44-20) lost in the Regional Championship game for the second straight time.

Georgia will advance to the NCAA Super Regionals May 23-24.