GREENWOOD, S.C. - After winning one of the longest games in Peach Belt Conference Tournament history, the Columbus State University softball team fell 8-0 to No. 17 University of North Georgia in the 2022 PBC Tournament championship game on Sunday. The conference tournament was held at Lander University at the Jeff May Complex.

The Cougars had to first defeat Lander on Sunday to reach the program's 12th title game. The semifinal game lived up to be one of the most dramatic games in CSU history as the Cougars took down the Bearcats 4-3 in 11 innings.

Columbus State immediately turned around and faced the top-seeded Nighthawks for the championship. After a scoreless first, UNG put six on the board in the second to take full command.  

SEMIFINALS | CSU 4, LU 3

In a 3-hour, 45-minute marathon, Columbus State jumped out to a 3-0 lead following a three-run second. Madeline Parker opened the scoring with a solo homer before a two-run double by Caitlyn Canady added to the advantage. 

CSU starter Hannah Rose Corbin cruised into the six until Barbara Cook broke the shutout bid with a leadoff homer. The Bearcats inched closer after an error helped a run cross the plate.

Lander tied the game in the seventh after Gracie Derrick snuck by a tag at the plate following a groundout. 

The two teams remained tied until Parker walked it off with a single to left in the 11th.

Corbin tossed all 11 innings, striking out seven. She allowed three runs (one earned) on 11 hits. 

Parker and Canady both drove in two on two hits. 

CHAMPIONSHIP | UNG 8, CSU 0

Columbus State played a scoreless first against the No. 17 Nighthawks,  but the first five hitters reached for UNG in the bottom of the second. Madison Simmons had the big blow, a three-run homer to give North Georgia a 6-0 lead.

CSU's lone hit came in the third on a Broke Miller leadoff single.