SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Sunday afternoon followed a similar script for the Columbia softball team. The Lions (6-8) began the afternoon defeating Portland State 8-4 before falling to tournament host Santa Clara, 11-3, in six innings in the finale of the Golden Coast Softball Classic.

"Today kind of mirrored what yesterday was like," Head coach Jennifer Teague said. "Our offense was decent, the defense was super shaky, and our pitching just is not giving us the consistency we need. We need to try to find it by next weekend. Overall, coming out here and going 2-2 I'm happy with that. We had some players have a terrific weekend. Juju (O'Brien) just went off. We have some injuries to a few starters, hopefully we get that squared away before Penn. Just frustrated that we had the same outcome as we did yesterday and didn't take the opportunity to learn from yesterday."

O'Brien had a four-hit day overall, going 4-for-5. For the tournament, she hit .700 going 7-for-10.

PORTLAND STATE RECAP
Like they did on Saturday, the Lions struck early in the contest scoring four runs in the top of the second. Base hits by Olivia Madkins and Kyra Mason knocked in a run each. Madkins later scored on a throwing error by the Vikings, Mason eventually came around to score on a bases-loaded walk.

In the home half, the Vikings (4-23) cut the deficit to a run following a three-run home run from Alison Harris. The home run came with two outs and was the lone blemish in an otherwise strong start from Emmy Davis (2-2).

Davis went 5.0 complete, scattering four hits and three runs. She walked one and struck out a pair. After surrendering the three runs in the bottom of the second, she retired six in a row and eight of the last nine batters she faced.

Columbia put the game away in the bottom of the sixth thanks to some loud contact. Caroline Palys started the big inning with a two-run double – her second of the tournament. Sarah Mikami put the finishing touches on the rally with a two-run home run, her fourth of the year.

SANTA CLARA RECAP
Starter Jordan Hill (2-3) was unable to get out of the first inning against Santa Clara (16-10). Hill got quick ground out but following a Columbia error, she surrendered a two-run home run to Hope Alley. Back-to-back singles by the Broncos ended the day for Hill.

Columbia got on the board in the top of the third. Madkins led off the frame with a double down the left field line. After stealing third, Madkins scored on the RBI ground ball from Mason.

The Broncos added to their lead by scoring two runs in the third and three runs in the fourth. Alley did the damage again in the fourth, clubbing a two-run triple to right field.

With two away in the top of the fifth, the Lions put two more on the scoreboard thanks to a two-run single off the bat of Maddie Souza.

UP NEXT
Columbia wraps up its time in California with a midweek contest against Sacramento State on Tuesday. First pitch between the Lions and Hornets is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET in Sacramento, Calif. Next weekend, the Lions make their 2025 home debut when Penn comes to Columbia Softball Stadium for a three-game Ivy League series.

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