Gulf Shores, Ala. - The Cougar softball team split a pair of games on Saturday afternoon at the Gulf Coast Invitational, defeating Cumberland University 10-2 in six innings and falling to No. 3 Reinhardt University 4-1. The split moves Columbia to 2-6 on the year.

The Cougars got off to a good start against the Eagles, scoring three runs in the top of the first on one hit and three errors. Carly Spalding reached base on a fielding error to begin the inning and then stole second base. Julianna Waldner then laid down a bunt and reached second base after a wild throw as Spalding came around to score. Allison Metz followed up with an RBI single to center and advanced to second on the throw in. Metz moved to third on a ground out and later scored on another fielding error.

Columbia added four more runs in the second as Samantha Davis was hit by a pitch to lead the inning off and advanced to second on a bobbled ball by the catcher. Rachel Sullivan bunted and reached first on the base hit as Davis moved to third. Davis then came around to score on a passed ball and Sullivan later scored on an RBI single from Spalding. Metz then stepped to the plate and singled to center to score Spalding and Taylor Atwood added a one-run single for a 7-0 advantage to end the inning.

After two scoreless innings, the Eagles finally got on the board after adding a run in the bottom of the fifth. The Cougars plated their final three runs in the top of the sixth as Metz hit a two-run single and later scored on a passed ball. The Eagles rallied back in the bottom of the sixth, adding a run, but were unable to overcome the deficit as the Cougars ran away with the six inning victory.

Paxton Welch allowed just two unearned runs on seven hits in her six innings, while striking out one and walking one batter. Metz led the Cougars after going 3-for-4 with four RBIs and three runs.

In game two, Reinhardt got on the board in the top of the second to take a 1-0 lead against starter Amber Boehme. The Cougars loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the inning, but could not cash in on the opportunity as pitcher Madison Luck forced a popup to end the threat.

Columbia finally got on the board in the bottom of the fifth to tie the score as Spalding led off with a single and came around to score on a ground-out. The Eagles added two runs in the top of the sixth and one in the seventh. The Cougars were unable to mount any kind of offense against Luck over the final inning as Reinhardt hung on for the 4-1 victory.

Boehme took the loss in the circle for Columbia, allowing three runs on eight hits while striking out five in seven innings. The Cougars were held to six hits in the game, led by Metz and Stephens with two hits apiece.

Columbia will resume play in the Gulf Shores Invitational with bracket play tomorrow. Check back at columbicougars.com for game times.