COLUMBUS — The Columbus State University softball team secured a statement victory Friday evening, edging No. 3-ranked University of North Georgia, 2-1, in game one of a three-game Peach Belt Conference series at Cougar Field.
With the win, Columbus State improves to 26-14 overall and 13-3 in Peach Belt play, while North Georgia falls to 32-7 overall and 12-4 in the conference.
North Georgia struck first in the opening inning as Sydnee Reaves launched a solo home run to right field to give the Nighthawks an early 1-0 lead. Columbus State settled in defensively behind a strong outing from
Khloe Shears and gradually chipped away offensively.
The Cougars evened the score in the third inning when
Abrianna Green delivered a solo home run to center field, tying the game at 1-1. Columbus State then took the lead in the fourth inning following a key sequence on the bases. After
Ella Hopper came around to score,
Nova Wright delivered an RBI single to left field and advanced to second on the throw, giving the Cougars a 2-1 advantage.
Shears (14-5) took control from there, tossing a complete game and limiting the nationally ranked Nighthawks to just one run on four hits. The right-hander worked around four walks and a hit batter while inducing 11 groundouts, and effectively keeping North Georgia off balance throughout the contest.
Columbus State and North Georgia each finished with four hits, with Green and Wright accounting for the Cougars' two RBI's.
Aubree Ussery and
Anna Waites also recorded hits, while Hopper added the go-ahead run.
Columbus State will close out the series with a doubleheader against the University of North Georgia on Saturday, April 11, with first pitch scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at Cougar Field.
