COLUMBUS — The Columbus State University Softball team opened its Peach Belt Conference series with a dramatic 1-0 walk-off victory over Georgia College & State University on Friday evening at Cougar Field. With the win, the Cougars improved to 14-7 overall and 3-1 in Peach Belt Conference play, while the Bobcats dropped to 6–10 overall and 1–3 in conference action.
The tightly contested pitching duel remained scoreless through six innings before Columbus State delivered the decisive blow in the bottom of the seventh. With one out,
Aubree Ussery stepped to the plate and launched a 1-2 pitch over the left-field wall for a walk-off solo home run, securing the victory for the Cougars.
Both teams struggled to generate offense throughout the evening as the two pitchers controlled the game from the circle. Columbus State managed just two hits, while Georgia College recorded six hits but was unable to push a run across.
Khloe Shears delivered a complete-game shutout for Columbus State, earning the win and improving to 8–1 on the season. She allowed six hits over seven innings, while issuing one walk and striking out one.
Offensively for the Cougars, Ussery accounted for the team's lone run with her game-winning home run.
Ella Hopper added Columbus State's other hit with a double, while
Kara Wegienka reached base after being hit by a pitch.
The Cougars will continue the series on Saturday, March 14, when Columbus State plays Georgia College in a Peach Belt Conference doubleheader at Cougar Field, with first pitch scheduled for 1:00 p.m., followed by game two at 3:30 p.m.
