ATHENS — A walk with the bases loaded in the first inning was the difference as Georgia Southern's softball team lost, 1-0 to No. 9 Georgia on Wednesday night at Turner Softball Stadium.
    The Eagles got a tremendous outing from Sarah Purvis to stymie the Bulldog batters, allowing just two hits and keeping the bases clear after the run scored in the first inning. The Eagle bats, however, couldn’t match the performance by Purvis, registering just two hits.
    “That was a pitchers duel,” GSU head coach Annie Smith said. “Sarah (Purvis) threw a great game. I’m glad we didn’t give in during the first inning after giving up the run. I told the team that they’ve got nothing to hang their heads about with that game. We’ve got Chattanooga this weekend, and it is conference games that matter for us.”
    UGA posted a pair of hits in the opening frame, but earned a two-out walk to take the early 1-0 lead. Purvis then retired the next 16 batters, finishing the game with five strikeouts.
    GSU plays a three-game series against Chattanooga this weekend at Eagle Field.
    Saturday’s doubleheader begins at 1 p.m. Sunday's game also is at 1 p.m.