ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — The Columbus State University Softball team used a dominant middle-inning surge to secure a 9-1 victory over Peach Belt Conference opponent Lander University in the series finale Sunday afternoon at Flagler Field. The Cougars improve to 31-19 overall and 18-6 in the Peach Belt with the win
After falling behind 1-0 in the second inning on an unearned run, Columbus State answered in the third.
Aubree Ussery delivered an RBI double to left center, scoring
Libby Buchanan to even the contest at 1-1.
The Cougars broke the game open in the fourth inning, plating six runs on timely hitting and capitalizing on defensive miscues.
Mary-Catherine Sorrell sparked the rally with a two-run single, while
Carlee Wilson added a sacrifice fly to extend the lead.
Anna Waites capped the inning with a three-run home run to left field, pushing Columbus State in front 7-1.
Columbus State added two more runs in the seventh inning as
Kara Wegienka drove in a run with a single up the middle, and Sorrell brought home another with a fielder's choice to make it 9-1.
The Cougars totaled 12 hits on the afternoon, led by Waites, who went 2-for-3 with a home run, three RBI's, and two runs scored. Sorrell also had a strong performance, finishing 2-for-4 with two RBI's, while Wegienka added two hits and an RBI.
Izzy Ripatti and
Nova Wright each contributed a hit and a run scored as part of a balanced offensive effort.
In the circle,
Hanna Deschambault (9-4) delivered a complete-game performance, allowing just one unearned run on five hits while striking out two over 7.0 innings. She induced 11 groundouts and effectively limited Lander's scoring opportunities throughout the game.
Columbus State returns home to close out the regular season on Friday, May 1, hosting Lander University in a three-game Peach Belt Conference series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Cougar Field.
