MARION, N.C. – The IU Columbus softball team opened its season with a four-game series against Montreat College (N.C.) this weekend at Big League Camp. Despite showing flashes of strong play, the Crimson Pride dropped all four games, including a narrow 4-3 loss in the final match-up.

Game 1: Montreat 11, IU Columbus 3 (6 innings)

IU Columbus rallied from an early deficit to take a brief lead in the fifth inning, but a late surge from Montreat proved too much to overcome in the series opener. Montreat struck first in the third inning, scoring two runs to take the lead. IU Columbus responded in the fourth, with Mallory Shelton blasting a two-run home run to center field, tying the game at 2-2. In the fifth, Olivia Bright doubled to drive in Delanie Bronner, giving IU Columbus a 3-2 advantage. However, Montreat answered back with a four-run fifth inning and added five more in the sixth to secure the run-rule victory. IU Columbus managed six hits in the game but was outmatched by Montreat's nine-hit performance.

Game 2: Montreat 15, IU Columbus 1 (5 innings)

Montreat wasted no time in game two, putting up five runs in the first inning and never looking back. IU Columbus struggled to generate offense, recording just five hits while Montreat's bats stayed hot with 15 hits. Lily Culp provided a bright spot for the Crimson Pride, hitting a double and scoring the team's only run in the fifth inning. Abby McDonald and Kaydence Brewer also recorded hits, but IU Columbus was unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Montreat's Amayia Hernandez, Haley Fethke, and Jasmine Rachal each homered in the game, leading a relentless offensive attack.

Game 3: Montreat 9, IU Columbus 0 (5 innings)

Game three followed a similar pattern, with Montreat using timely hitting and aggressive base running to take control early. Montreat scored in every inning, highlighted by a solo home run from Amayia Hernandez in the fourth. Jessica Ebersole took the loss for IU Columbus, allowing seven earned runs over three innings. Despite the struggles, the Crimson Pride's defense improved, committing no errors after fielding miscues plagued the previous two games.

Game 4: Montreat 4, IU Columbus 3

In the final game of the series, IU Columbus nearly broke through for its first win of the season but fell just short in a nail-biting finish. Montreat jumped ahead 2-0 in the first inning, but IU Columbus responded in the second. Izzy Johnson's RBI single, combined with a Montreat throwing error, allowed Lex Heafner and Olivia Bright to score, tying the game. Hannah Taylor then added an RBI single to give the Crimson Pride a 3-2 lead. Montreat tied the game in the third and scored the go-ahead run in the sixth on a fielding error, taking advantage of IU Columbus' only defensive miscue of the game. Erica Henry pitched a strong game for IU Columbus, allowing just two hits and three earned runs over six innings. However, Montreat's pitching held IU Columbus scoreless over the final five innings, securing the win.

Looking Ahead

Despite the tough series, IU Columbus showed resilience, especially in the final game. The Crimson Pride will look to bounce back as they continue non-conference play in the coming weeks. The Crimson Pride return to action on February 28, on their home field for a doubleheader against Taylor University. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 PM.