FT. MEYERS, Fla. – The Columbia softball team battled back to take the nightcap of Saturday's twin billing, defeating Lehigh 7-4. The Lions opened the day falling to tournament host Florida Gulf Coast 8-4 in game one.
"I thought we continued to get better on the day," head coach
Jennifer Teague said. "I was really pleased with how we battled against Florida Gulf Coast, and we showed a lot of grit in our game against Lehigh. Obviously putting up those five runs late in the game really helped and it kind of took the momentum in the direction where we were able to keep it. We are excited to finish strong tomorrow and I'm super proud of their progress through the weekend so far."
FLORIDA GULF COAST RECAP
The Lions (4-5) scored four runs on eight hits in the defeat to the host Eagles (12-18) and battled throughout the contest.
Maddie Souza got the Lions on the board with a solo home run in the top of the second. It was the first of the year for Souza and seventh of her career.
Florida Gulf Coast took the lead back for good, scoring three runs in the bottom of the second and two more in the third.
Columbia cut the deficit to two thanks to RBIs from
Cami Neal and another from Souza. Neal finished the day going 2-for-3,
Caroline Palys also had multiple hits against the Eagles.
Taking the loss was
Sarah Mikami (0-1) who tossed 2.1 innings, allowing six hits, five runs, with a walk. Lilly McCord threw the final 3.2 innings in relief; she struck out a pair.
LEHIGH RECAP
In game two, the Lions scored the game's opening run when
Cami Neal clubbed the first of her two doubles. The clutch two-out double to right field drove in
Savanna Messner who reached via a fielder's choice and stole second to move into scoring position.
Columbia starter
Emmy Davis got the start and threw two scoreless frames before surrendering a pair of runs in the top of the third.
With the game tied 2-2, Davis was unable to get out of the third when Lehigh's (5-12) Maddy Schmeiser slapped a ball the opposite way for a two-out single.
The Lions came roaring back in the home half scoring five runs on four hits, including three doubles. The big hit was a bases loaded double by Neal that plated a trio of Lions.
Olivia Madkins led off the frame with a double past third, and
Juju O'Brien capped off the rally with an RBI double to left that drove in Neal.
Charlotte Laidler (2-0) got the win, tossing 2.1 strong innings in relief. She scattered three hits and a run, while striking out one.
Columbia was active on the base paths on Saturday evening. The Lions stole a season-high four bases, two by
Kyra Mason.
UP NEXT
Columbia wraps up the FGCU Spring Break Classic tomorrow morning when it takes on Lehigh tomorrow morning. First pitch is slated for 10 a.m. from the FGCU Softball Complex.
FOLLOWING THE LIONS
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