Game One
COLUMBUS — The Columbus State University Softball team opened Wednesday's doubleheader with a 6-2 victory over Valdosta State University at Cougar Field. With the win, the Cougars improved to 13-6 on the season, while Valdosta State fell to 9-11.
The Cougars broke through in the bottom of the second inning to take an early lead.
Anna Waites delivered an RBI single up the middle to score
Nova Wright, putting Columbus State on the board. Later in the inning,
Abrianna Green extended the advantage with a two-run double down the left-field line, bringing home
Izzy Ripatti and Waites to give the Cougars a 3-0 lead.
Valdosta State cut into the deficit with a run in the fifth inning, but Columbus State responded immediately in the bottom half of the frame. Wright singled through the right side to score
Kara Wegienka, and Waites followed with another RBI single to plate
Libby Buchanan, pushing the Cougar lead to 5-1.
Columbus State added an insurance run in the sixth inning when
Abrianna Green advanced to third on a fielder's choice and later scored on a Valdosta State throwing error, extending the lead to 6-1.
Valdosta State added a run in the seventh, but the Cougars maintained control throughout the contest.
Khloe Shears earned the victory in the circle for Columbus State, improving to 7-1 on the season. The right-hander tossed a complete game, allowing two runs (one earned) on seven hits while striking out one and issuing no walks.
Offensively, Columbus State recorded 11 hits, led by Wright, who went 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Waites finished 2-for-3 with two RBI's and a run, while Green also added two hits and two RBIs. Wegienka contributed two hits and a run.
Game Two
COLUMBUS — The Columbus State University Softball team suffered a 5–3 loss to Valdosta State University in game two of Wednesday's doubleheader at Cougar Field. The Cougars split the two-game series after defeating the Blazers, 6–2, in the opening game earlier in the afternoon.
Valdosta State jumped out to an early advantage in the second inning, scoring four runs to take a 4–0 lead, but Columbus State answered in the bottom of the fourth when
Anna Waites launched a three-run home run to left-center field, scoring
Nova Wright and
Aubree Ussery to cut the deficit to 4-3.
Valdosta State added an insurance run in the fifth inning when Charlotte Phillips launched a solo home run to extend the Blazers' lead to 5-3.
Offensively, Columbus State recorded five hits in the contest. Waites led the Cougars with a home run and three RBI's, while
Libby Buchanan, Ussery, Wright, and
Abrianna Green each contributed a hit.
Lily Miller took the loss for Columbus State, falling to 4-5 on the season after allowing four runs (none earned) on four hits across four innings.
Hanna Deschambault provided three innings of relief, allowing one run on four hits while striking out one.
Record: Columbus State falls to 13-7 overall on the season.
The Cougars will return to action on Friday, March 13, when Columbus State hosts Georgia College & State University for a Peach Belt Conference series at Cougar Field. First pitch for game one is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
