NEW YORK – The Columbia softball team's offense came to life in a big way in the 2025 home opener, scoring 14 runs on 20 hits in the Saturday sweep of visiting Penn. The Lions took game one of the series 9-1 in five innings before taking the nightcap 5-3.

Cami Neal's return to the lineup was a welcome one as she combined to go 4-for-8 with four runs driven in. Caroline Palys had a big day at the plate as well, driving in three with a mammoth home run in game one.

In the circle, Columbia (8-9, 2-0 Ivy) got strong starting pitching performances from Emmy Davis and Jordan Hill. While out of the pen, Charlotte Laidler and Lily McCord kept the Penn offense quiet.

GAME ONE RECAP
Penn (1-19, 0-5 IVY) scored the game's opening run in the top of the first inning. After two quick outs, the Quaker's Jade Montgomery drew a walk and stole second to get into scoring position for Rachel Riley who hit a ball into the gap in left field to allow Riley to score.

That is all the Quakers could muster against Emmy Davis (3-2) who was stellar through four innings, holding Penn to a run on four hits. She also struck out three.

The offense came to life immediately, scoring three runs in the home half. Juju O'Brien smacked a two-out double to plate a pair, and Kyra Mason scored thanks to Penn's error.

The Lions tacked on another run in the second and put the game away thanks to a five-run fifth inning. Palys smashed her first home run of the year into the scoreboard in left center. A few batters later Neal cleared the bases with a walk off double.

GAME TWO RECAP
In the night cap, Penn once again scored in the top of the first inning. Jordan Hill (3-3) followed a similar script to Davis and shut the Quakers down. She finished the day tossing 5.1 strong innings, scattering six hits, and one earned run. She struck out a season-high six batters.

Lilly McCord pitched the final 1.2 for her first save of the year.

Columbia scored four in the bottom of the first inning, chasing starter Morgan Sullivan (0-1) out of the game before she could record an out. Neal started the rally with an RBI double left center. Sarah Mikami drove in a pair with a base hit down the left field line.

Mason, Neal, Maddie Souza, O'Brien, and Eleni Katsivalis had multiple hits in game two.

UP NEXT
The Lions go for the series sweep tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. Sunday's game will feature live stats and video which can be accessed on ESPN+.

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