Lawrence bashes two homers as GPS routs rival Baylor 14-4
Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter/ GPS's Aaidyn Lawrence celebrates one of her two home runs during Tuesday's 14-4 prep softball win over Baylor at GPS. Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter/ GPS's Aaidyn Lawrence celebrates one of her two home runs during Tuesday's 14-4 prep softball win over Baylor at GPS.
GPS junior Aaidyn Lawrence provided two of the most powerful swings of her high school softball career in leading Tuesday’s 14-4 six-inning home rivalry and Division II-AA East Region 2 victory over Baylor.
Lawrence, the team’s No. 9 hitter, homered in her first two at-bats to help spark a lineup that scored 14 unanswered runs for a major confidence-building win.
“We were down one of our key players today (Jayla Gladden), and I knew we needed someone to step up and be big,” said Lawrence, who hit a deep fly over the left field fence in her first at-bat for her first over-the-fence home run since eighth grade. “My coaches have always believed in me ever since I stepped on this field in eighth grade.
“Coach (London) Cornelius has instilled confidence in me and belief. There has not been a day where she hasn’t told me how much she believes in me. Today’s win meant a lot to us and is something we can really build from.”
Staff Photo by Patrick MacCoon / GPS freshman Sky Marshall struck out eight over 5 2/3 scoreless innings of relief in Tuesday’s 14-4 home victory over Baylor in six innings.Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter/ Baylor’s Amiya Leach (15) catches the ball in a game against GPS on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter/ Baylor’s Chloe Cunningham (20) throws to first base during a game against GPS on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter/ Baylor’s Brenna Bagley (4) pitches to GPS’s batter at Girl’s Preparatory School on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter/ Baylor’s Ellison DeMatteo (11) swings at GPS’s pitch on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter/ GPS’s Mila Reyes (8) swings at Baylor’s pitch on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter/ Baylor’s Adison Wallington (12) pitches to GPS’s batter at Girl’s Preparatory School on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter/ GPS Head Coach London Cornelius stands on the field as her team plays Baylor at Girl’s Preparatory School on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter/ Baylor’s Makenzie Dinsmore (23) celebrates a home run with her team against GPS on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter/ Baylor’s Laila Jefferson (13) cheers on her team against GPS on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter/ Baylor Head Coach Kelli Smith walks off the field before the start of a game against GPS on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.Staff Photo by Patrick MacCoon / GPS players mob sophomore Addison Smith after her game-ending RBI in Tuesday’s 14-4 home victory over Baylor in six innings.Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter/ GPS’s Aaidyn Lawrence (1) hugs teammate Bailey Long (20) on the field during a game against Baylor on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter/ GPS’s Sky Marshall stretches to make a catch off a line drive during the team’s 14-4 win over rival Baylor Tusday at GPS.Staff Photo by Seth Carpenter/ GPS’s Aaidyn Lawrence celebrates one of her two home runs during Tuesday’s 14-4 prep softball win over Baylor at GPS.