CONWAY – The Coastal Carolina softball team improved to 18-4 on the season as they defeated the Georgia State Panthers at St. John Stadium on Saturday afternoon by the score of 6-3.

A four run fourth inning by the Chanticleers was the difference in the game as Coastal picked up their third run by a RBI single by junior Payton Hanson, bringing home sophomore Mackenzie Beyer. The biggest blow to the Panthers in the fourth came as junior Kassidy Smith jumped on  GSU's Amanda Chance's first pitch of the at-bat sending the ball sailing over the left field fence for a three-run homer and her sixth of the season.

Earlier in the game in the top of the third, Coastal starter Ashley Guillette allowed a single and two walks that loaded  the bases for the Panthers. The senior starter was able to work her out of the inning, giving up just a sacrifice fly out to Sylar Mosel and allowing Georgia State to have a 1-0 lead.

After a Smith walk with one out in the bottom of the third, sophomore Courtney Dean hit two-run home run for her eighth on the season to give CCU their first lead of the day, 2-1.

In the top of the fifth, GSU added two more runs. Caitlin Ray grounded into a fielder's choice to CCU shortstop Alexis Alvino, bringing in Alyssa Ward who walked to lead off the inning. Two batters later, pinch hitter Jess Neadow came through with a single to the second baseman Abbey Montoya. The freshman dove and came up with the ball, but her throw was high, getting past Smith at first base, bringing in Ray.

Kaitlin Beasley-Polko came into the game and picked up her third save of the season. The sophomore pitched the last two innings, giving up one hit while striking out three.

Guillette earned her eighth win of the season as the senior went five innings, gave up five hits, three runs, two earned, with five strikeouts.

Game three of the series between Coastal and Georgia State  will take place on Sunday at 12 noon and will be shown on the Chanticleer Sports Network.

For complete coverage of CCU softball, follow the Chanticleers on social media at @CoastalSB (twitter), @GoCCUSports (Instagram) and facebook.com/CCUChanticleers (Facebook) or visit the official home of Coastal Carolina Athletics at goccusports.com.