Box Score Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia College softball team defeated No. 1 seed Lindenwood University-Belleville by a score of 13-8 this afternoon to advance to the American Midwest Conference (AMC) championship game. Columbia, the tournament's No. 6 seed, improves to 28-16 with the victory.

The Lynx drew first blood on an RBI single by the shortstop Kaylin Stewart however, the Cougars would respond quickly with a run on a solo home run by senior Brittiany Tjarks in the second inning. LU-B would go ahead again in the bottom of the frame as Stewart hit a three run home run to give them the 4-1 advantage.

The Cougars cut into the Lynx's lead with two runs in the top of the third. Kaylee Brueggeman led off with a walk followed by back-to-back singles by Tylin Stephens and Allyson Metz to load the bases. A passed ball and a wild pitch would allow both Stephens and Metz to score as the Cougars pulled within one at 4-3. The Lynx took advantage of two Columbia errors in the bottom of the third as they scored three runs to extend their lead to 6-3.
Columbia would knot the score at six in the top of the fourth as Samantha Davis roped a three-run shot over the right field fence to score Julianna Waldner and Tjarks.

After a scoreless fifth inning, the Cougars took complete control as they erupted for seven runs on five hits. Tylin Stephens doubled to left-center to score Brueggeman and Carly Spalding who reached on a walk and a fielder's choice to begin the inning. One batter later, Taylor Atwood doubled down the right field line to bring around Stephens to score. Jessica Hardy then drew a walk to put runners on first and second and Waldner followed with a single down the right field line to score Atwood. Tjarks then stepped to the plate and hit a three-run bomb over the left field fence to give the Cougars a commanding 13-6 lead.

The Lynx would plate two runs in the bottom of the seventh on a two-run single by Angelina Vargas, but was unable to make a comeback.

Starting pitcher Paxton Welch allowed four runs on four hits and struck out two in two innings of work. Amber Boehme entered the game in relief to earn the win after allowing two runs on two hits while striking out two. Tjarks had three hits including two home runs and four RBIs while Atwood chipped in three hits to lead the 14 hit attack. Davis finished the day with two hits including one home run and three RBIs.

Columbia will play in the championship game, tomorrow April 30^th at Antimi Black Field. The Cougars will face off against the winner of game 13, Lindenwood-Belleville vs. Park University, that is being played later this afternoon. The first pitch is set for noon. For the complete tournament bracket and results, visit www.amcsportsonline.com.