BOCA RATON, Fla. — Sophomore pitcher Raquel Reyes allowed just a run on two hits but the Columbia softball team was unable to provide any run support, resulting in a narrow, 1-0, loss to Michigan State Sunday afternoon at the FAU Strike Out Cancer Tournament.
 
Michigan State (7-6) plated the game's only run in the first inning, taking advantage of a hit batsman and manufacturing her home on a sac bunt and Macy Lee RBI single. Reyes shut the Spartans down the rest of the way, using 81 pitches to get through six innings on just two hits and a walk.
 
Columbia (1-4) had some chances to score. The Lions stranded a runner on third in the top of the first and left another in scoring position in the second. Down by a run entering the seventh, Bubba Gleaves worked a leadoff walk to try and spark a rally, but Michigan State's Sarah Ladd retired the next three to earn the save and close out the ball game.
 
"Competitively, we rebounded from yesterday and we were hitting the ball hard, just right at them," Columbia head coach Jennifer Teague said. "Rocky [Reyes] threw a great game. Anytime you can hold a Big Ten school to two hits, you've done some great work."
 
Faith Guidry earned the win, lasting 5 1/3 innings, allowing three hits and striking out three. Ladd went an inning a 2/3 in relief, allowing one walk and striking out one.
 
The Lions wrapped up their first weekend 1-4, but Teague is encouraged by what she saw across those five games.
 
"We absolutely got better but this weekend showed us the things we need to work on as we get ready for FDU this week and the Towson Tournament next weekend," Teague added. "I don't think there is anything to be alarmed about but we have to tidy up some stuff and limit our walks with our pitching. Free bases hurt us this weekend."
 
The Lions return home to prepare for a doubleheader on Wednesday against Fairleigh Dickinson. First pitch from Hackensack, New Jersey is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET.

For the latest on the Columbia softball program, follow @CULionsSoftball on Twitter and Instagram, on Facebook at Facebook.com/CULionsSoftball. You can view all the latest with the Lions on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com/Softball.