Game One
ROME, Ga. — The Columbus State University Athletics softball team dropped a 9-7 decision to Shorter University in game one of Friday's double-headers at Alto Park Softball Complex. Columbus State out-hit Shorter 14-8 and erased a four-run deficit with a four-run fifth inning, but could not overcome the early deficit.
The Cougars struck in the second inning when
Abrianna Green delivered an RBI single to left, scoring
Mary-Catherine Sorrell.
Aubree Ussery followed with a two-run single to center, plating
Ansley Collins, and
Libby Buchanan to trim the deficit to 5-3.
Columbus State mounted its strongest rally in the fifth. Green tripled to left field to score Sorrell, sparking a four-run inning. Collins added an RBI single, followed by run-scoring singles from Ussery and
Kara Wegienka to tie the contest at 7-7.
Ussery led the Cougars with a 4-for-4 performance and three RBIs. Collins went 3-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI, while Green finished 2-for-4 with a triple and two RBIs. Wegienka added two hits and a run batted in.
Sorrell scored twice and stole two bases, while
Nova Wright was hit by a pitch twice as Columbus State worked six walks and collected 14 hits overall.
In the Circle,
Lily Miller (3-3) was charged with the loss after allowing seven runs and one earned over three innings.
Gracyn Gurley provided three innings of relief, surrendering two runs, one earned, and striking out four.
Game two
ROME, Ga. — The Columbus State University Softball team delivered a dominant all-around performance Friday evening, defeating Shorter University, 9–0, in Game Two of the doubleheader at Alto Park Softball Complex. Columbus State scored in three separate innings, plating three runs in the fourth, four in the fifth, and two in the seventh.
After three scoreless innings, the Cougars broke through in the fourth.
Aubree Ussery opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly to right field, plating
Gracyn Gurley.
Holly Lynn followed with an RBI single to left, and
Izzy Ripatti added another RBI single to push the lead to 3-0.
Columbus State seized full control in the fifth inning.
Nova Wright doubled to center field to score Gurley, and
Anna Waites delivered the decisive blow with a three-run home run to extend the advantage to 7-0.
The Cougars added two more insurance runs in the seventh as Waites launched her second home run of the evening, a two-run shot to left field. capping a five-RBI performance and sealing the 9-0 shutout.
Columbus State totaled 12 hits on the night, highlighted by a dominant performance from
Anna Waites, who went 3-for-4 with two home runs and five RBIs.
Nova Wright finished 2-for-3 with a double, three runs scored, and an RBI, while
Gracyn Gurley added two hits and crossed the plate twice.
Aubree Ussery,
Kara Wegienka,
Holly Lynn, and
Izzy Ripatti each recorded RBI's to support the offensive surge, and
Mary-Catherine Sorrell contributed on the basepaths with a stolen base as part of the Cougars' balanced effort.
Khloe Shears (3-1) was outstanding in the circle, tossing a complete-game shutout. The right-hander allowed just three hits over seven innings while walking two and striking out three on 100 pitches. Shears induced 12 flyouts and six groundouts to keep the Shorter offense off balance throughout the contest.
Records: Columbus State improves to 7–5 overall, while Shorter falls to 4–12.
Next Up: Columbus State returns to action Saturday, February 21, with a 1:00 p.m. match-up against Shorter University at Alto Park Softball Complex.
