Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia College softball squad split an American Midwest Conference (AMC) doubleheader with William Woods University this afternoon at Antimi Softball Complex. Paxton Welch recorded a perfect game in the first contest of the day as the Cougars won by a score of 5-0 before falling in game two 3-2. With the split, Columbia moves to 21-17 on the year and 11-7 in the AMC while the Owls are now 20-23 overall and 9-9 in conference play.

Welch pitched her way to a perfect game in the first contest of the day. The junior hurler retired six batters in seven innings of work to pick up her ninth victory of the season. The Cougar offense recorded seven and five runs in the win, led by Carly Spalding with three hits, two runs scored and two RBI.

The Cougars got the scoring started in the bottom of the third as Spalding blasted a base hit to center, stole second, and scored on a single up the middle by Molly Carter. Columbia plated four more runs in the fifth inning which was highlighted by a two-run single to center by Spalding to round out the scoring. The five runs proved to be enough, as Welch continued to shut the Owls down for the win.

In game two of the day, Columbia struck for a run in the bottom of the first as Rachel Sullivan led off with a walk, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Spalding and scored on a ground out by Allyson Metz. The Owls gained their first lead of the day over the Cougars in the second inning as Hillary Hentges and Amanda Bouchey hit solo shots over the fence to go ahead 2-1. WWU extended their lead in the third inning, tallying another run on an RBI single to right by Hentges for a 3-1 advantage.

Columbia cut the deficit to one run in the fourth inning as Dakota Newton singled and eventually scored on an RBI single to left by Spalding. The Cougars threatened to score in the sixth inning as Newton doubled to right and Kaylee Brueggeman singled to left with one out, but the Owl's starting pitcher, Sierra Jacques forced two groundouts to get out of the inning.

The Cougars had one last chance to score in the bottom of the seventh as Metz singled with one out, but second baseman, Shelby LeCuru caught a hard line drive hit by Olivia Denslow and threw to first for the double play to end the game.

Amber Boehme started in the circle for the Cougars, giving up five hits and striking out one. Lauren McCroskie entered the game in relief and allowed four hits and struck out one in four innings. Columbia had seven hits in the contest, led by Newton with two.

The Cougars host Lyon College on Friday, April 15^th and will then welcome Central Baptist College on Saturday at home. Both doubleheaders will begin at 2:00 p.m. at Antimi Softball Complex. Prior to Saturday's game, Kaylee Brueggeman and Amber Boehme will be recognized for Senior Day.