Game One
COLUMBUS — The Columbus State University softball team used timely execution and a strong pitching effort to defeat Peach Belt Conference opponent USC Aiken, 4-1, in game one of a Saturday doubleheader at Cougar Field. The contest marked game two of a three-game league series.
The game remained scoreless through the first four innings as both teams received solid performances in the circle. Columbus State starter
Lily Miller held USC Aiken in check early, allowing just three hits while working out of multiple situations.
USC Aiken broke through in the top of the fifth inning, taking a 1-0 lead after Alexis Stout was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, forcing in a run.
The Cougars responded immediately in the bottom half of the inning, capitalizing on defensive miscues by the Pacers.
Izzy Ripatti reached on a sacrifice bunt that resulted in an error, allowing
Nova Wright to score the tying run. Later in the inning,
Gracyn Gurley executed another bunt that led to additional USC Aiken errors, plating Ripatti and
Ella Hopper to give Columbus State a 3-1 advantage.
Columbus State added an insurance run in the sixth inning when
Kara Wegienka delivered a solo home run to right center, extending the lead to 4-1.
Hanna Deschambault (7-4) earned the win in relief, tossing three shutout innings while allowing just one hit and striking out three. Miller turned in a solid start, surrendering one run on three hits over four innings with three strikeouts.
Offensively, the Cougars were limited to just two hits but made the most of their opportunities. Wegienka led the way with a home run and an RBI, while Wright recorded a hit and scored a run.
Columbus State will look to secure the series victory as the Cougars and Pacers conclude the doubleheader Saturday at Cougar Field.
Game Two
COLUMBUS, Ga. — The Columbus State University softball team completed a Peach Belt Conference series sweep of USC Aiken with a 7-4 victory in game two of Saturday's doubleheader at Cougar Field.
With the win, Columbus State improves to 30-17 overall and 17-4 in Peach Belt Conference play, while USC Aiken falls to 25-22 overall and 9-12 in the league.
The Cougars struck early in the bottom of the first inning as
Kara Wegienka delivered a two-run single to center field, scoring
Anna Waites and
Aubree Ussery to give Columbus State a 2-0 lead.
USC Aiken answered in the fourth inning with a pair of home runs. Autumn Fisher launched a two-run shot to tie the game before Madilyn Rouse followed with a solo homer to give the Pacers a 3-2 advantage.
Columbus State responded in the bottom half of the inning, tying the game at 3-3 when
Avery Hays drew a bases-loaded walk to bring home
Abrianna Green.
The Pacers regained the lead in the fifth inning, capitalizing on a Cougar error to take a 4-3 edge.
The Cougars answered once again in the sixth inning, beginning with an RBI single from
Libby Buchanan that tied the game at 4-4. Moments later, Ussery delivered the decisive blow, launching a three-run home run to left field to put Columbus State ahead 7-4.
Hanna Deschambault (8-4) earned the win in relief, allowing one unearned run on two hits while striking out three over three innings.
Khloe Shears made the start, giving up three runs on two hits with three strikeouts across four innings.
Offensively, Columbus State totaled eight hits, led by Ussery's 2-for-4 performance with a home run and three RBIs. Wegienka added two hits and two RBI's, while Buchanan contributed an RBI knock in the sixth.
Columbus State returns to Peach Belt Conference play on Friday, April 25, traveling to St. Augustine, Fla., to face Flagler College in a three-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Flagler Field.
