Game One
HARDEEVILLE, S.C. — The Columbus State University Softball Team was held scoreless on Saturday afternoon, falling to the University of South Carolina Beaufort, 2-0, in game one of a Peach Belt Conference doubleheader. With the loss, Columbus State moves to 10-6 overall and 0-1 in the Peach Belt on the season.
The Cougars were limited offensively throughout the contest, recording just two hits against USC Beaufort pitcher Madison Murphy, who tossed a complete-game shutout while striking out three and allowing only one walk.
Columbus State threatened sparingly, as
Nova Wright and
Kara Wegienka each recorded a hit, while
Gracyn Gurley reached base on a walk. The Cougars were unable to capitalize on additional opportunities.
In the circle,
Lily Miller (4–4) took the loss after allowing two earned runs on four hits across 3.2 innings, while walking five batters and striking out one.
Hanna Deschambault provided strong relief for Columbus State, holding the Sand Sharks scoreless over the final 2.1 innings while allowing just two hits.
Game Two
The Columbus State University Softball team responded dominantly in game two of Saturday's Peach Belt Conference doubleheader, defeating the University of South Carolina Beaufort 11-2 to earn a split on the day.
The Cougars produced an explosive offensive performance, totaling 13 hits and 11 runs while scoring in four different innings to pull away from the Sand Sharks.
Columbus State opened the scoring in the top of the first inning when
Avery Hays delivered an RBI single that brought home
Aubree Ussery. USC Beaufort answered in the bottom half of the inning to tie the game, but the Cougars quickly regained control.
In the second inning, Columbus State erupted for four runs.
Gracyn Gurley started the rally with an RBI single before
Kara Wegienka followed with a two-run double to right center. Later in the frame,
Nova Wright reached on a fielder's choice that allowed another run to score, giving the Cougars a 5-1 advantage.
The Cougars added two more runs in the fourth inning when
Anna Waites launched a two-run home run to left field, extending the lead to 7-2.
Columbus State continued its offensive surge in the fifth inning, plating four additional runs.
Nova Wright drove in a run with a single, Waites followed with another RBI single, and
Izzy Ripatti capped the scoring with a two-run double to left center to push the margin to 11-2.
Wright led the Cougars at the plate with a 3-for-4 performance, recording two runs and two RBI, while Waites added two hits, including a home run, and three RBI. Ripatti contributed two hits and two RBI, and Hays also collected three hits in the victory.
In the circle,
Khloe Shears (5-1) earned the win after pitching a complete five innings, allowing two runs on eight hits with one walk and one strikeout.
Records
Columbus State 11-6, (1-1 PBC); Beaufort 15-7, (1-1 PBC)
Up Next
Columbus State will return to action on Sunday, March 8, when the Cougars face the University of South Carolina-Beaufort in Hardeeville, S.C., at the Richard Gray Sports Complex. First pitch for the Peach Belt Conference match-up is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. ET.
