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COLUMBUS – Kicking off a five-game weekend, the Columbus State University softball team defeated Barry 6-0 on Friday night. The nonconference game was played at Cougar Field.
 
Darby Demarest (5-2) went the distance in the circle for her third shutout of the season. The junior allowed just two hits, while striking out six.
 
"Darby was really good tonight," head coach Brad Huskisson said. "She kept their top of the order in check and pitched from in front all night long."
 
It was all about the pitchers early on Friday night, as the game remained scoreless through three innings.
 
Columbus State (9-6) finally broke through in its half of the fourth. Kia Smith led off the inning with a single and swiped second to put a runner in scoring position. The Bucs elected to intentionally walk Elizabeth Perdue and Calli Star made them pay with a ringing double into the left field corner that brought Smith home.
 
CSU added on in the fifth with a solo home run from Kirstin Reynolds to start the inning. Kristin Studds nearly made it back-to-back shots, but her double to center helped keep the scoring going. The Lady Cougars loaded the bases and Barry was forced to pitch to Perdue. The junior brought everyone home with one swing, launching her third homer and second grand slam of the year.
 
Demarest took care of the rest in the circle, as she retired the final 11 hitters she faced.
 
Reynolds led the offensive attack with a 2-for-3 game, adding a triple to her solo homer.
 
The Lady Cougars will play a pair of home games on Saturday, taking on Bloomfield and Newberry. First pitch against Bloomfield is scheduled for 4 p.m. with the game against Newberry to follow immediately after.