Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia College softball team stepped onto the diamond today as they began play in the NAIA National Championship Opening Round bracket play. The Cougars are the hosts of the Columbia Bracket being played at Antimi Softball Complex in Columbia, Missouri. In game one of the opening round the second seed Cougars took on the third seed Brenau (Ga.) University Golden Tigers. Columbia defeated the Golden Tigers 4-0 to advance on the winner's side of the bracket. Columbia is now 36-10 on the season.
After the first four innings, each team's defense was standing strong, not allowing much offense to get rolling for either side. In the top of the fifth freshman, Avgustina Arbova, hit a bomb out of the park to put the first run on the board. Grabbing momentum from her sister, Karolina Arbova came up to bat and doubled to left. Following the twins, Columbia was feeling the energy now as Olivia Denslow got one to drop that was able to drive Karolina Arbova in from second to give the Cougars a 2-0 lead midway through the inning. The Cougars kept the Tigers scoreless to finish out the fifth inning. Then in the top of the sixth, Molly Carter stepped to the plate and homered on the first pitch, making the score 3-0. In the bottom of the sixth, the Tigers tried to make some noise, but Columbia was able to hold them off as they headed into the final inning. Avgustina Arbova started the top of the inning off sliding headfirst into third for a leadoff triple. She was able to score on a sac fly off the bat of Denslow. Columbia led 4-0 as they were three outs away from victory. The Cougars took care of business quickly securing the final three outs to win 4-0.
Lexi Dickerson controlled the mound as she allowed seven hits and struck out five batters in seven innings of work. Offensively, Olivia Denslow went 1-3 with two RBIs, Libby Marko was 1-4, Molly Carter was 1-3 with one run scored and one RBI, Natalie Dummitt and Jacey Meyer were each 1-3, Avgustina Arbova went 2-3 with two runs scored and one RBI, and Karolina Arbova went 1-3 with one run scored.
The Cougars will return to the field tomorrow to continue National Tournament Opening Round play when they take on the winner of the number one seed Valley City State (N.D.) vs. number four seed Madonna (Mich.) matchup. First pitch is set for 10 a.m.
For all Softball National Championship Opening Round info click here.
