Softball | 5/16/2017 2:26:00 PM

Box Score Columbia, Mo. – This afternoon the third ranked Columbia College softball team was back in action when they took on the 21^st ranked Grand View (Iowa) University Vikings in their second game of the 2017 NAIA Softball National Championship Opening Round. The Cougars, who defeated the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) by a final score of 8-0 in the first game, were able to defeat the Vikings by a final score of 9-0 and improved to 45-5 on the season.

The Cougars opened up the scoring in the game in the top of the second inning when Allyson Metz was able to lead off the frame with a base hit to get Columbia's offense going. Samantha Myers came in to run for Metz at first base and later came around to score on a sacrifice fly from Natalie Dummitt to put the Cougars up 1-0. Columbia College added another run in the inning and three runs in the top of the fifth to take a 5-0 lead into the sixth.

The Cougars continued to put the ball in play as the game progressed and were able to add another run in the top of the fifth inning when Julianna Waldner scored on a sacrifice bunt from Theresa DeCosty to give Columbia a 6-0 advantage. The Vikings did their best to get back into the game but a three run Cougar rally in the top of the sixth inning sealed the deal as Columbia closed out Grand View down the final stretch of the contest to remain unbeaten in postseason play.

Lauren McCroskie (22-1) was the starting pitcher for Columbia College in this game as the senior allowed just four hits while striking out eight batters in her sixth complete game shutout of the season. Offensively, the Cougars were led by Allyson Metz who went 3-4 with two RBI's and Rachel Sullivan who went 1-3 with two RBI's.

Today was also a special day for senior outfielder Carly Spalding. Spalding finished the day going 2-4 at the plate with a run scored and a stolen base. Her two hits put her at 86 on the season which surpasses the old Columbia College record of 84 set in 1996 and her one stolen base put her at 55 on the season which broke the single season record of 54 set in 1989.

The Cougars will be back in action tomorrow, April 17^th when they compete in the championship game of the Columbia (Mo.) Bracket at 10 a.m. The game will take place at the Antimi Softball Complex.