SACRAMENTO – The Columbia softball team could not avoid the big inning as host Sacramento State defeated the Lions 10-2 in five innings on Tuesday afternoon at Shea Stadium.

Columbia (6-9) had a quiet night offensively at the plate, scoring two runs on five hits. Kyra Mason and Eleni Katsivalis knocked in the runs for the Lions.

Trailing 1-0 in the top of the second, the Lions got on the board thanks to small ball. Olivia Madkins reached via fielder's choice. She then stole second base to move into scoring position and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Mason drove her in with a base hit up the middle. One inning later, Katsivalis gave the Lions the lead when she singled through the right side to score Maddie Souza.

Sacramento State (13-12) got the win thanks to two big innings. The Hornets scored the game's opening run but put it away thanks to a four run third and a five run fifth.

The big hit was a grand slam from Sacramento State's Lafulafu Malepeai in the third that gave the Hornets the lead for good. Malepeai was a thorn in the Lions side all evening, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and five driven in.

Taking the loss for Columbia was starter Lily McCord (0-3). McCord surrendered five runs on five hits in three innings of work. Charlotte Laidler pitched the final inning in relief.

UP NEXT
The Lions will make its 2025 home opener on Saturday when Penn comes to town for a three-game Ivy League series. Game one of Saturday's double header is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. with game two slated for a 3:00 p.m. first pitch.

FOLLOWING THE LIONS
Stay up to date on all things Columbia Softball by following the Lions on X (@CULionsSoftball), Instagram (@culionssoftball) and on Facebook (@ColumbiaSoftball).