Game One
AMERICUS, Ga. — The Columbus State University Softball team used a dominant second inning and a strong performance in the circle to secure an 8-0 run-rule victory over Georgia Southwestern State University to open the series in game one of a Peach Belt Conference doubleheader Saturday afternoon at Lady Canes Field.
The Cougars broke the game open in the second inning, plating seven runs on five hits while capitalizing on multiple Hurricane errors. The inning began with a run scoring on a wild pitch before
Izzy Ripatti delivered an RBI single to extend the lead.
Mary-Catherine Sorrell followed with an RBI single, and Columbus State continued to apply pressure as
Ansley Collins reached on a fielder's choice that brought in another run. Additional miscues by Georgia Southwestern allowed two more runs to score, while
Libby Buchanan added an RBI bunt single.
Aubree Ussery capped the inning with an RBI double to left center, giving the Cougars a commanding 7-0 advantage.
Columbus State added an insurance run in the fourth inning when
Anna Waites lined an RBI single down the left-field line, extending the lead to 8-0.
In the circle,
Khloe Shears (12-5) delivered a complete-game shutout, allowing just four hits over 5.0 innings while issuing one walk. Shears faced 17 batters and benefited from solid defensive play behind her, as the Cougars committed no errors and turned one double play.
At the plate, Columbus State totaled eight hits, led by Buchanan and Waites with two hits apiece. Ussery added a double and an RBI, while Ripatti and Sorrell each recorded an RBI as part of the Cougars' balanced offensive effort.
Game Two
AMERICUS, Ga. — The Columbus State University softball team rallied late to secure a 6-5 victory over Georgia Southwestern State University and complete a Peach Belt Conference doubleheader sweep Saturday afternoon at Lady Canes Field.
With the win, Columbus State improved to 22-14 overall and 11-3 in PBC play, while Georgia Southwestern fell to 13-20 overall and 2-12 in conference action. The Cougars now lead the series 2-0.
Georgia Southwestern struck first with a three-run home run in the opening inning to take an early 3-0 lead. Columbus State answered in the second inning as
Nova Wright connected on a solo home run to left field, cutting the deficit to 3-1.
After a scoreless stretch through the middle innings, the Cougars chipped away in the fifth when
Ansley Collins delivered an RBI single up the middle to make it a one-run game. The Hurricanes responded in the bottom half of the inning with a two-run home run to extend their lead to 5-2.
Columbus State mounted its comeback in the sixth inning, scoring three runs to even the game.
Abrianna Green started the rally with an RBI double to left field, before
Izzy Ripatti delivered a clutch two-run double to left center to tie the contest at 5-5.
The Cougars took their first lead of the game in the seventh inning.
Libby Buchanan reached on a bunt single and advanced to second on the throw, while Collins moved to third and came around to score on a throwing error, giving Columbus State a 6-5 advantage.
In the circle,
Hanna Deschambault (5-3) earned the win in relief, tossing 2.2 scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and striking out two.
Lily Miller made the start, allowing five runs over 4.1 innings.
Offensively, Columbus State totaled eight hits, with Collins leading the way with a 2-for-3 performance and an RBI. Wright added a home run and scored twice, while Ripatti drove in two runs to pace the comeback effort.
Columbus State will continue its Peach Belt Conference series against Georgia Southwestern on Monday, April 6, with first pitch scheduled for 5:00 p.m. at Lady Canes Field. The game was rescheduled due to the weather and the Easter holiday.
