NEW YORK – The Columbia offense erupted Wednesday afternoon for four home runs, including a grand slam by Sarah Mikami and two home runs from Savanna Messner to defeat Iona, 10-6.
 
The Lions exploded for seven runs in the bottom of the first inning to take control early. Jaden Hill started the game with a single to right center that set up Messner's two-run shot over the left field wall to ignite a string of home runs. Mikami stepped up later in the frame with the bases loaded a launched a grand slam to right center to put Columbia up, 7-0.
 
Columbia used two homers in the second inning to add three more runs and take a 10-0 lead. Messner led off the inning with a solo shot to left center. Cami Neal followed with a double before Maddie Souza came to the plate shortly after and hit a two-run homer over the center field wall.
 
The Lions were scoreless the rest of the game as Iona attempted to chip away at the lead. The Gaels put up a two-spot in the top of the fourth inning to avoid the run-rule loss. Iona added a run in the fifth and sixth innings before scoring two in the seventh.
 
Lily McCord (2-2) recorded the win after earning the start and firing 4.0 innings. McCord finished with a strikeout while allowing three runs on four hits. Raquel Reyes came in for 2.0 innings, allowing three runs on four hits with two strikeouts. Charlotte Laidler came in and finished off the seventh inning.
 
ON DECK
Columbia hits the road for an Ivy League series against Brown this weekend. The Lions and Bears will play a doubleheader Saturday starting at 12:30 p.m. before finishing the series Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
 
FOLLOWING THE LIONS
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