The Columbia softball team showed improvement on the second day of the Spiro Classic in Greensboro, North Carolina, but fell short in both games played Saturday. The Lions lost 4-2 to Appalachian State in the first game and 2-1 to Fairfield in the second.
Columbia’s record dropped to 0-4 for the season. Despite the losses, head coach Jennifer Teague noted positive developments. “Not the start wins and losses wise that we wanted obviously, but we showed some progress in many areas this weekend,” Teague said. “We are excited to get home, work on some things and get to Florida with another opportunity to prepare for League play. I thought we had some really good pitching performances today. Overall, we competed better today.”
In the opener against App State (8-0), junior pitcher Lily McCord delivered a strong performance, holding opponents scoreless for nearly three innings before allowing three runs in the third. McCord pitched 5.1 innings total, giving up four earned runs while striking out three batters and walking six.
Columbia took an early lead by scoring two runs in the top of the third inning. Brianna Santangelo recorded her first collegiate hit to start a rally that loaded the bases. Tatum Hubble was hit by a pitch and Payton Shimansky drew a walk with bases loaded, bringing in two runs for Columbia. However, App State starter Sophia Moshos finished with seven innings pitched, allowing only two hits and striking out six.
In game two against Fairfield (3-4), first-year pitcher Mads Lawson went six innings, giving up nine hits and two runs while striking out seven batters. Lawson limited Fairfield’s effectiveness with runners in scoring position.
The Lions again scored first when Savanna Messner walked with bases loaded in the opening inning. However, Columbia was unable to capitalize further as Fairfield escaped without additional damage.
Fairfield responded in the fifth inning when Anna Paravati singled through the right side to drive in two runs—the only offense needed as Stags starter Alyssa Weinberg allowed five hits and one run over seven innings.
Sunday’s scheduled rematch against Fairfield was canceled due to heavy rain. Columbia is set to return on Friday, February 20th at the Stetson Invitational against St. John’s in DeLand, Florida.
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