COLUMBUS — The Columbus State University Softball team closed out the Red-White-Blue Classic in emphatic fashion Sunday afternoon, rolling to an 11-3 run-rule victory over Wingate University at Cougar Field.
After Wingate struck for three runs in the top of the second inning, Columbus State responded immediately and decisively. The Cougars plated a run in the first to take an early lead, then erupted for 10 runs on nine hits in the third inning, breaking the game wide open.
Aubree Ussery set the tone at the plate, finishing 3-for-3 with two RBIs, including a run-scoring single in the first and an RBI double during the decisive third inning.
Kara Wegienka scored three runs and added an RBI, while
Anna Waites and
Abrianna Green each delivered two-run doubles as part of the third-inning surge.
Mary-Catherine Sorrell,
Ella Hopper,
Nova Wright, and
Ansley Collins also drove in runs during the inning, as Columbus State sent 14 batters to the plate and capitalized on consistent, timely hitting throughout the lineup. The Cougars finished the afternoon with 13 hits, including five doubles.
In the circle,
Khloe Shears earned the win to improve to 2-0 on the season. Shears went the distance, allowing three runs on nine hits while inducing eight groundouts and facing just 22 batters in five innings of work.
Records: Columbus State to 4–2 on the season, while Wingate falls to 2–2.
Next: Columbus State returns to action on Friday, February 8, opening the Cougar-Hurricane Classic with a 10:30 a.m. matchup against Eckerd College, followed by a 1:00 p.m. contest versus Mars Hill University.
