Lady Commodores win big at NFCA Leadoff
Columbus, GA – The Lady Commodores of Gulf Coast State College had an amazing weekend, winning the 2025 NFCA NJCAA Leadoff Classic at the South Commons Complex. They went undefeated, showing off their strong batting and pitching skills in five big wins.
Game 1: Gulf Coast 7 – Monroe University 0
The Lady Commodores started the tournament with a 7-0 victory over Monroe University. Sophomore outfielder Kali Austerman had a strong showing, driving in five runs with two big hits, including a two-run home run in the sixth inning.
Pitcher Lindsey Paul threw a complete game shutout, allowing only two hits while striking out six.
Top Players:
- Kali Austerman: 2-3, 1 double, 1 home run, 5 RBIs
- Aasia Scerbo: 2-3, 1 single, 1 double
Game 2: Gulf Coast 11 – Roane State CC 2
This game was led by Cailyn Cooke and Ainyah Stokes, who each had three hits. Cooke hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning to take the lead, then Stokes blasted a three-run homer in the sixth.
Pitcher Ainsley Stubbs was solid, giving up just four hits and two runs while striking out eight.
Top Players:
- Cailyn Cooke: 3-4, 1 single, 1 triple, 1 home run, 3 RBIs
- Ainyah Stokes: 3-4, 2 singles, 1 home run, 3 RBIs
- Macy Robinette: 2-4, 1 single, 1 double, 1 RBI
Game 3: Gulf Coast 16 – Pellissippi State 5
Kali Austerman had another huge game, driving in five runs on four hits, including a home run and three doubles. Amber Kidd also hit a two-run home run in the first inning.
Pitchers Maddie Vaughn and Kallan Mercer worked together to get the win, holding Pellissippi to just five runs.
Top Players:
- Kali Austerman: 4-4, 3 doubles, 1 home run, 5 RBIs
- Amber Kidd: 3-4, 2 singles, 1 home run, 2 RBIs
- Emily Chandler: 3-4, 3 doubles, 1 RBI
Game 4: Gulf Coast 9 – Johnson County 0
Gulf Coast kept up their winning streak with a 9-0 victory. A big fourth inning, including a three-run home run by Kali Austerman, sealed the deal.
Pitcher Kaylee Navarre threw a complete game shutout, giving up only three hits while striking out six.
Top Players:
- Cailyn Cooke: 3-3, 2 singles, 1 double, 2 RBIs
- Emily Chandler: 2-3, 2 singles, 1 RBI
- Kali Austerman: 1-3, 1 home run, 3 RBIs
Game 5: Gulf Coast 9 – Walters State 2
The Lady Commodores finished strong, hitting two home runs early in the game. Cailyn Cooke hit a solo homer in the first inning, and Ainyah Stokes followed with a two-run shot in the second.
Pitcher Ainsley Stubbs started the game, allowing two runs over four innings, while Kaylee Navarre finished with three strong innings of relief, allowing one hit, while striking out two and walking none.
Top Players:
- Amber Kidd: 2-4, 1 single, 1 double, 2 RBIs
- Cailyn Cooke: 2-4, 1 single, 1 home run, 1 RBI
- Ainyah Stokes: 1-2, 1 home run, 2 RBIs
The Lady Commodores dominated the tournament, showing off their powerful hitting and strong pitching.
Tournament awards
Sophomore Outfielder, Kali Austerman was named to the NFCA Leadoff All-Tournament Team for her outstanding play throughout the tournament.
Their first home game of the season is set for Saturday, February 1st in a double-header vs. Snead State CC starting at 12pm on Joe King Field.