COLUMBUS — The Columbus State University Softball team closed out its Peach Belt Conference series with a 4-1 victory over Middle Georgia State University on Sunday afternoon at Cougar Field to sweep the series. With the win, the Cougars improved to 18-9 overall and 7-2 in conference play.
Columbus State secured the series victory behind a strong complete-game performance from
Hanna Deschambault and timely hitting throughout the middle innings. Deschambault (3-2) was dominant in the circle, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out six batters.
After three scoreless innings, the Cougars broke through in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Anna Waites delivered an RBI single to second base, scoring
Rylie Beddingfield to give Columbus State a 1-0 advantage.
The Cougars added crucial insurance in the sixth inning with a three-run frame.
Nova Wright sparked the rally with an RBI single to left field and later scored on a throwing error, while
Ella Hopper also crossed the plate on the miscue. Later in the inning, Waites added her second RBI of the game with a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to 4-0.
Middle Georgia State pushed across its lone run in the top of the seventh inning on a solo home run by Madison Cosgrove, but Columbus State held firm defensively to secure the 4-1 victory.
Offensively, the Cougars recorded six hits, led by
Mary-Catherine Sorrell, who went 2-for-2 at the plate. Waites finished with a team-high two RBIs, while Wright added an RBI and a run scored. Columbus State also applied pressure on the basepaths with three stolen bases from
Gracyn Gurley,
Ella Hopper, and
Aubree Ussery.
Columbus State returns to action on Tuesday, March 24, hosting the University of Montevallo for a doubleheader at Cougar Field. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m., with game two to follow at 5:30 p.m.
