LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Talladega softball teamed opened the Continental Athletic Conference Tournament on Thursday afternoon, falling to top-seed and host Georgia Gwinnett by a final of 12-4.
 
Elisa Clay started the scoring in the first inning, singling through the right side to plate Gabriele Garcia for the first run of the game. The Grizzlies took advantage of two walks and a hit batter, responding with a three-run home half to take the early lead.
 
Talladega went right back to work in the second, though, as Marianna Perez picked up the big hit that helped the Tornadoes take a 4-3 lead. Georgia Gwinnett again answered with a trio of runs in the third before erupting for six in the fourth inning.
 
Second baseman Rayna Davis turned in a 3-for-3 performance at the plate for Talladega, with Garcia picking up Talladega's lone extra-base hit. Miranda Butler took the loss in the circle after 3.1 innings of work, with Ashli-Nicole Gutierrez recording the other two outs out of the 'Dega pen.
 
Talladega returns to action on Friday, when they will take on the loser of Florida National and Crowley's Ridge. First pitch is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., with the winner immediately tplaying another game for a berth in Saturday's championship.