COLUMBUS, GA. – Columbus State University softball split their Saturday doubleheader against USC Beaufort to take the series 2-1. 

The Lady Cougars lost game one 0-1, however, took the series win in the final game after defeating the Sand Sharks 3-1. CSU moves to a 26-19(7-8 PBC) record while USCB moves to 25-19(5-11 PBC).

Game One - Columbus State 0, USC Beaufort 1

After five scoreless innings, USC Beaufort got a run on the board in the top of the sixth. Both teams struggled early onafter several quick outings and runners left on base. The Cougars had runners on second and third base in the third inning, but with two outs they were unable to bring them home. 

The Lady Cougars struggled at the plate as they only produced one hit during game one compared to the Sand Sharks' three hits. Both teams left five runners stranded on base, however, USC Beaufort was able to bring a runner in for the 1-0 win. 

USC Beaufort's Madison Murphy gave the Sand Sharks the win after closing the game with three strikeouts to tie the series. 

Lily Miller(9-4) started on the mound for the Lady Cougars and tossed for 5.1 innings with four strikeouts, three walks, three hits, and one run. Khloe Shears closed the game as she tossed for 1.2 innings. 

Game Two - Columbus State 3, USC Beaufort 1

USC Beaufort got on the board first in the top of the third inning. The Sand Sharks opened the inning with a single to right field and eventually a double to left field brought the runner home. The visitors did not hold the lead long as Columbus State responded in the bottom of the third with two runs to go up 2-1. Ella Hopper opened for the Lady Cougars with a missile to left field followed by a stolen second base. A single and a stolen base from Abrianna Green moved Hopper to third. Mary-Catherine Sorrell ripped a single to right field to bring in Hopper and Green for the lead. 

Columbus State added another run to the board in the fourth inning after Holly Lynn ripped her second home run of the series. 

USC Beaufort struggled as they could not record a single hit in the last three innings, giving Columbus State the series win. 

Quick Hits

• Lynn collected her thirteenth home run of the season. 
• CSU led with five hits while USCB had three hits.
• Hopper led with two hits and a run while Sorrell led with two RBIs
• Julianna Franklin(14-9) sealed game two after tossing for seven innings with three hits, two strikeouts, one run, and zero walks. 

Next Up

• Columbus State will stay home and host Fort Valley State on Wednesday, April 9 for a 4 p.m. doubleheader.