RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Columbia softball team lost both games of the Monday doubleheader to California Riverside. The Lions drop to 3-10 overall heading into the start of the Ivy League schedule this weekend.
 
GAME 1 VS. CALIFORNIA RIVERSIDE
 
Senior Megan Ryono doubled to center field to leadoff the top of the first inning for the Lions. Still in scoring position with two outs, sophomore Cami Neal hit an RBI base hit to center that scored Ryono to put the Lions on top early, 1-0.
 
The Highlander responded in the bottom of the frame with two runs on two hits to take the lead. California Riverside would not trail again as the Highlanders added four runs in the third, one run in the fourth and two runs in the fifth to finish off a 9-1 run-rule win concluding in the bottom of the fifth inning.
 
First-year right-hander Sarah Mikami (1-3) suffered the loss as she tossed 2.0 innings. Mikami allowed six earned runs on seven hits to go along with one strikeout. Junior right-hander Raquel Reyes worked 2.0 innings and allowed three runs on six hits while striking out one.
 
GAME 2 VS. CALIFORNIA RIVERSIDE
 
The Highlanders struck first in the second game of the day with one run in the bottom of the second inning.
 
Columbia responded with two runs in the top of third to take the lead. Sophomore outfielder Maddie Souza hit a one-out single to left field to get things started for the Lions. Ryono followed with a single up the middle and the pair of base runners advanced to second and third on a wild pitch. Junior Jaden Hill launched an RBI base hit up the middle that scored Souza and moved Ryono to third. Senior Bubba Gleaves and Neal were then both hit by pitches, which scored Ryono and put the Lions up, 2-1.
 
The Columbia lead didn't last long as the Highlanders brought a run home in the bottom of the third to tie the game. California Riverside added a run in the fourth inning to take the lead before the Highlander offense exploded in the bottom of the fifth for seven runs to secure a 10-2 run-rule win.
 
Sophomore right-hander Jordan Hill (2-5) was charged with the loss. She fired 4.0 innings, allowing five runs on five hits while striking out two. Reyes pitched 0.2 innings and allowed five runs on six hits.
 
UP NEXT
 
The Lions head home to get the Ivy League slate started. Columbia will host Brown for the home opening series this weekend. The teams are set for a Saturday doubleheader starting at 12:30 p.m. The second game of the day will begin at 3 p.m. The series will conclude with a 12:30 p.m. first pitch Sunday.
 
FOLLOWING THE LIONS
 
Stay up to date on all things Columbia Softball by following the Lions on Twitter (@CULionsSoftball), Instagram (@culionssoftball) and on Facebook (@ColumbiaSoftball).