The Columbia softball team won the opening game of its three-game series against Dartmouth, 4-1, on Friday afternoon at Dartmouth Softball Park.
The victory gives Columbia (11-16, 3-4 Ivy) an early advantage in the series. Strong pitching and timely hitting helped secure the win for the Lions.
Columbia scored three runs in the second inning. Eleni Katsivalis hit a double to left field that brought home Tatum Hubble and Savanna Messner. Sarah Mikami then grounded to shortstop, allowing another run to score. The Lions ended the day with four runs on eight hits.
First-year pitcher Mads Lawson (6-6) pitched a complete game for her tenth of the season, allowing just one run on four hits. Lawson retired eleven batters in a row from the third inning through part of the sixth and received strong defensive support, including an inning-ending double play started by Juju O’Brien in the third inning.
Dartmouth (5-14, 3-4 Ivy) scored its only run in the seventh when Sydney Herrmann doubled to drive in Justice Malone. Lawson finished strong by retiring two more batters and earning her fourth strikeout of the game.
At bat, Hubble led Columbia by going 3-for-3 with two runs scored. O’Brien extended her hitting streak to seven games after going 1-for-4. Katsivalis went 1-for-4 as well, while Messner and Kyra Mason both drew walks and scored runs.
Charley Maddox (3-6) pitched a complete game for Dartmouth but allowed eight hits and four earned runs with three walks and one strikeout.
The series continues Saturday with a doubleheader starting at 12:30 pm.