GULF SHORES, Ala. - The Columbus State University softball team dropped two on the opening day of the 2022 season at the Gulf Shores Invitational in Gulf Shores, Ala.

"Today was rough," commented head coach Brad Huskisson. "We can't afford to walk multiple batters in the same inning, and we have to be able to make adjustments at the plate." 

Game 1: No. 23 UAH 7, CSU 6

In the season-opener, a furious seventh-inning rally by Columbus State fell short against No. 23 University of Alabama at Huntsville as the Cougars lost 7-6.

CSU headed into the top of the seventh down 7-2 and was down to its final out until pinch hitter Kenzie Bayer ripped a clutch single to load the bases for Hannah Rose Corbin. The slugger jacked a grand slam, closing the Chargers' lead to only one, however, CSU couldn't plate another run.

The Cougars scored two quick runs in the first, thanks to RBIs from Hannah Rose Corbin and Laura Harris. After the hot inning, CSU didn't score until the seventh, where the Chargers scored at least one run in every inning except the fourth.

Harris finished 2-for-3 with a double, while Corbin tallied five RBIs.

In the circle, Corbin (0-1) struck out three and allowed seven runs (five earned) on 13 hits.

Kaylee Vaught was 3-for-4 with 2 RBIs for UAH, while MacKenzie Nitt was 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs.

Game 2: Lee 5, CSU 1

Like game one, the Cougars took a lead in the opening frame. Caitlyn Canady led off the first with a walk and ended up on third base after stealing second and advancing to third on a sacrifice bunt from Katelyn Cooper. Corbin ripped a ball up the middle to score Canady.

From there though, it was all Lee. The Flames scored three in the second, thanks to a three-run double from Breanna Patton before platting two more in the third. 

Nyah Vogel retired 14 Cougars in a row in the complete-game effort. CSU managed just three hits and four base runners in the nightcap.

Jessica Lopez (0-1) received the loss in her debut as a Cougar. The transfer struck out three in 2.1 innings of work. Haylee Folds relieved Lopez in the third and pitched well, striking out six and allowing only two hits over the 4.2-inning appearance. 

Corbin had two of the three hits for the Cougars with Morgan Elston collecting the other.

Up Next
CSU will be back in action on Sunday, Feb. 6 with two games. The Cougars will face Mississippi College at 12:15 p.m. and the University of West Alabama at 4:15 p.m. (All times are eastern)