Koala Softball Sweeps Milligan Behind Steady Offense

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Columbia College softball team used steady offense and clutch defense throughout the day to sweep away Milligan University (TN) at home on Alumni Day Saturday from the Sutton Complex.

Columbia won game one, 10-5 and game two, 9-5 as they totaled 19 runs on 20 hits. The Lady Koalas improved to 18-16 overall and 6-12 in the conference and will next remain home to host the top team in the conference, Reinhardt University, on Thursday at 1:00 pm.

In game one, the Koalas were led by two hits and 3 RBIs from junior SS Ashlynn Wolff along with 3 hits from junior outfielder Takeirra Bakken. Junior outfielder Brooke Farrell also recorded a two-run RBI single while junior 2B Joni Littlejohn scored two runs, had two RBI and a walk. Freshman Outfielder Krislyn Wilder and sophomore 3B Elaina Seymour also drove in runs during the big 7-run third inning while Wilder scored a run and stole a base.

Milligan (14-12, 9-5 AAC) got out to a 3-0 lead on senior pitcher Ally Boyd over the first three innings before CC scored 7 in the 4th and 3 in the 5th to put away the Lady Buffs. Boyd lasted 2 and 2/3 innings allowing 3 runs on 4 hits while walking three. However, sophomore reliever Madison Cheek came on in the third and proceeded to shut down the Buffaloes holding them to just two unearned runs on two hits with 3 walks and a strikeout to pick up the win.

in game two, CC again fell behind early going down 4-0 in the 2nd inning before mounting another rally scoring three in the 2nd and two more in the third to take a 5-4 lead. Littlejohn knocked a two-RBI single in the 2nd while Wolff recorded a sacrifice fly before Bakken's two-run double in the 3rd put CC in front.

Littlejohn then drove in two more runs for the Koalas in the 5th on an error by the MU shortstop that scored Bakken and Blackstone to put CC up 7-4 after five innings. Then, back-to-back RBI singles in the sixth from Seymour and Christie put CC up 9-4 heading into the 7th.

Junior starting pitcher Maddie Vaughn picked up the win for Columbia in the circle throwing all 7 innings allowing 5 runs on 7 hits while walking six and striking out four. Bakken and Blackstone led CC with 3 hits apiece as they combined to go 6 for 8 with 5 runs scored while Littlejohn led the team with 4 RBIs. Seymour and outfielder Lana Hampson also recorded two-hit games while Christie and Hampson stole bases as well.