The Brenau University soccer team lost their first match of the season 3-0 to the Savannah College of Art and Design Friday night in Gainesville.

Bees freshman forward Sydney Benda opened the scoring for the visitors, with Bethany Ashton and Megan Jurcak adding goals for the three-goal decision.

The Golden Tigers couldn’t hit the net but did manage eight shots, led by freshman forward Elizabeth Campbell with four. Freshman and Flowery Branch grad Kayla Madsen recorded two shots, as did senior Erin Brinks.

Brenau freshman goalkeeper Tori Brown made eight saves during the match.

Softball

WEST HALL GRAD SIGNS WITH BRENAU: West Hall graduate Madison Strickland has signed to play softball recently for coach Devon Thomas at Brenau University.

Strickland was a star on and off the field in high school, never missing a day of class and being consistently ranked in the top 10 percent. She was the recipient of a number of academic awards in her high school career, including having the highest GPA on the softball team.

On the field Strickland maintained her high standards, finishing her career on the diamond with a .319 batting average, 27 doubles, 18 triples, three home runs and 70 RBIs. She was named Freshman of the Year All-State, a two-time recipient of the Coaches Award, the team MVP and two-time All-State Honorable Mention.