DECATUR, Ala. - Fourth-seeded Coastal Georgia (34-19) severed a 1-1 stalemate with a two-run sixth-inning to secure the 3-1 victory over fifth-seeded Faulkner (25-29) in today's Southern States Athletic Conference tournament opener here at the Wilson Morgan Softball Complex.

The Lady Eagles struck first on a Kendall Bennett RBI in the top of the fourth inning, but the Mariners answered in the bottom of the frame on a Faulkner throwing error.

A two-out walk followed immediately by a two-run homer courtesy of pitcher Paige Alt ultimately lifted Coastal Georgia to the win two innings later.

The outing proved more or less a pitcher's duel throughout. In addition to delivering the game-winning homer, Alt was stellar in the circle surrendering just a single unearned run on one hit while striking out three batters in the victory.

Caitlin Perry (11-7) scattered thee hits over six innings and fanned six batters while allowing two earned runs in the loss.

Shelby Brown had Faulkner's lone hit while Hannahlee Harris scored the run.

The Lady Eagles will take on Brewton-Parker in elimination-game action tomorrow at 10 a.m.