Fort Worth, Texas – Columbia College Softball officially launched its 2016 campaign at the Cowtown Classic in Fort Worth, Texas. The Cougars opened up in style, picking up three wins on Friday, Feb. 12. The squad beat Baker University, 5-1 early this morning and defeated University of St. Mary, 6-2. The Cougars wrapped up the day with a 4-1 win over Southwestern College.

In the first game of the day, Columbia jumped on top early as Carly Spalding led off with a single to center and eventually came around to score on a single by Allyson Metz in the first inning. After a scoreless second inning, the Cougars plated three more runs in the third. Baker would get on the board in the top of the fifth inning on a passed ball, but Columbia would get that run back in the bottom of the sixth as Metz stroked a double and scored on a single by Juliana Waldner.

Metz paced the Cougars at the plate going 3-for-3 with a double and a triple while also recording two RBI. Spalding went 2-for-3 while
Molly Carter and Waldner had one hit and one RBI apiece. Lauren McCroskie picked up the win in the circle for Columbia after allowing just five hits and striking out eight in seven innings of work.

Against St. Mary, the Cougars grabbed a two run lead in the third inning as Dakota Newton led off with a single to left and scored on a single by Rachel Sullivan. Sullivan later came around to score on base hit by Carter for the 2-0 advantage.

The Spires tied the game in the bottom of the fourth inning as Selena Ruiz and Samantha Villegas scored on a misplayed grounder by the Cougars. With the score knotted at two, Columbia was able to bring two more runs across in the top of the sixth to go ahead 4-2. Carter singled to begin the inning and stole second, putting herself in scoring position. A wild throw to first by St. Mary's pitcher allowed Carter to score on a hit ball by Olivia Denslow. After advancing to third on the throw, Denslow crossed the plate thanks to another error by the Spires. Columbia plated two more runs in the top of the 7^th and held St. Mary scoreless in the bottom to pull away with the 6-2 win.

Sullivan, Carter and Dummitt had two hits apiece while Metz and Newton had one hit each. Paxton Welch earned the win after striking out five and surrendering just four hits in seven innings of work.

Against the Builders, Columbia scored three quick runs in the first inning. Spalding led off with a single to center and moved to second on a base hit by Sullivan. A wild pitch allowed Spalding and Sullivan to move up a base and a grounder by Metz brought Spalding around to score. Carter followed with a walk, putting runners on first and third. Sullivan crossed the plate next with the help of another wild pitch while Carter moved to third. Carter then scored the third run on yet another wild pitch. Columbia tacked on another run in the second inning on an RBI single by Spalding.

The Builders plated their lone run of the game at the top of the seventh.

Spalding and Sullivan led the offense with two hits apiece while Carter and Dummitt added one hit each. Carter picked up the win allowing just five hits and striking out two in seven innings.

Columbia will return to the diamond tomorrow, starting with a 9:00 a.m. game against McPherson College. The Cougars will wrap up the weekend with an 11:00 a.m. matchup with Central Methodist University.