Softball Scores Early in Win Over Jackrabbits

Saturday, March 14

Arlington, Texas

2 PM

Columbia

5-11

South Dakota State

15-15

Columbia

South Dakota State

Photo by: Columbia University Athletics / Stockton Photo, Inc.

3/15/2026 2:45:00 PM | Softball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

Mads Lawson tosses a three-hit gem, Savanna Messner goes yard again

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – The Columbia softball team scored four times in the bottom of the first inning, and it held thanks to a brilliant pitching performance from first-year starter Mads Lawson, who went the distance as the Lions defeated South Dakota State 4-2 in the finale of the Maverick Invitational on Sunday.

"All in all, it was a great weekend for our team," head coach Jennifer Teague said. "When you combine solid pitching with a productive offense, you give yourself a chance to get good results, and that's what we saw. I'm really proud of our group. Their spirit and their willingness to fail forward keep us moving in the right direction."

Columbia (6-12) got timely hits from Alicia Marzouca and Savanna Messner, building an early 4-0 lead. Marzouca's two-run single drove in Kyra Mason and Tatum Hubble.

Messner followed with her fourth homer of the year, and third of the tournament, on a 2-1 pitch over the left-center wall. It was her 16th career home run, tying her for eighth in program history with Maria Pagane (2018-22).

The Lions had opportunities to add on all afternoon, but could not get that clutch hit with runners on. After the first inning, the Lions were just 2-for-16 with runners on and 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position.

Fortunately for Columbia, the four-run cushion was more than enough for starter Mads Lawson (4-5). The first-year pitcher was masterful, scattering two runs and three hits over seven innings.

Lawson did not allow a hit until Aby Gentry hit a solo home run with two outs in the top of the fourth. A big contributor to Lawson's success was shutting down innings with two outs. Aside from the home run to Gentry, Lawon's only other two-out hit was an RBI single to Alivya Bollen in the top of the seventh.

The loss went to Jackrabbits (15-17) starter Tayler Baker (1-1), who could not get out of the first inning. She was roughed up for four runs on six hits in two-thirds of an inning pitched.

Grace Proctor pitched the final 5.1 innings, scattering five hits with a walk and a strikeout, but did not allow a run to score.

UP NEXT
The Lions return to action on Tuesday when they take on Manhattan in Riverdale, N.Y. That game is scheduled for a 1 p.m. first pitch. On Wednesday, the Lions will make their 2026 home debut when LIU comes to Inwood. That game is scheduled for a 4 p.m. start.

FOLLOWING THE LIONS
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