HACKENSACK, N.J. — The Columbia softball team dropped a non-conference game against Fairleigh Dickinson, 3-1, Wednesday afternoon at the FDU Softball Field.
 
Columbia (1-5) plated its run in the fifth off back-to-back, pinch-hit doubles from Maddie De Leon and Lauren Osborne. Their doubles were each player's first collegiate hit. De Leon's put a runner in scoring position for Osborne, who drove an 0-1 pitch to the wall in center.
 
Osborne's double tied the score, 1-1, but FDU (3-7) used a two-run bottom half to retake the lead. It all started with a two-out single by Andreya Flores. After she stole second, Jess DeWitt singled to left and got herself caught in a rundown between first and second. Columbia's Jaden Hill got the ball in quickly to initially prevent Flores from scoring, but the Lions didn't play the rundown correctly and Flores beat the return throw home.
 
The unfortunate turn of events marked the end of first-year pitcher Jordan Hill's day. She was eventually charged for three runs, two earned, off five this and two walks.
 
FDU added an insurance run off reliever Kaia McCaul as Hayden Salter turned on a 2-1 pitch down the left field line. The third straight hit brought home DeWitt to make it 3-1.
 
Columbia had a couple of chances to cut into the lead through the final two innings but was unable to do so. Cami Neal was stranded on second after a smacking a one-out double in the sixth. Osborne led off the seventh with a single, but nothing ever came of it.
 
Osborne and shortstop Maria Pagane each had two-hit days. Pagane was 2-for-3 and reached base three times with a walk. Osborne, who entered in the fifth, ended the day 2-for-2 at the dish.
 
The Knights initially took the lead with an unearned run in the bottom of the fourth. Lorianne O'Connor grounded to third with the bases loaded and one out. Bubba Gleaves threw home for the force out, but the ensuing throw to first sailed into right field, allowing Courtney Mahoney to score all the way from second.
 
The Lions head to Towson, Maryland this weekend for a tournament hosted by the Tigers. Columbia is scheduled for one game against Towson, one against Coppin State and two against Providence.

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.