COLUMBUS, Ind. —IU Columbus hosted Saint Mary-of-the Woods College at Cera Sports Park on Tuesday (Mar. 18), where they secured a 10-9 win in a thrilling opener before falling 4-3 in the second game. Despite a late rally in the nightcap, the hosts couldn't hold on to their slim lead, splitting the doubleheader.
Game 1: IU Columbus 10, St. Mary-Woods 9
IU Columbus pulled out a hard-fought victory in the first game of the doubleheader, edging out Saint Mary-of-the Woods College 10-9 in a high-scoring affair. The Pomeroys struck first, scoring two in the top of the first. But IU Columbu quickly responded with a Mallory Shelton bases-loaded double, driving in Gracie Holok, Jazlynn Stewart, and Izzy Johnson. They then extended their advantage with a four-run second inning, where Izzy Johnson's fielder's choice and Jazlynn Stewart's two-RBI single put them up 7-3.
SMWC answered with a three-run third inning, cutting the lead to just one. A two-run homer by Jasmine Kinzer in the fifth gave the visitors an 8-7 lead, but the Crimson Pride were far from done. In the bottom of the sixth, a wild series of events allowed them to tie it at 9-9 and then grab the lead. Lily Culp's fielder's choice, an error, and two unearned runs helped IU Columbus pull ahead. The game ended with a hard-fought 10-9 victory, as Maddison Brittain closed it out in the final three innings. Justice Cash would go on to earn the win.
Game 2: IU Columbus 3, St. Mary-Woods 4
In the second game of the day, IU Columbus struck first with a Carli Holser homerun, bringing in her teammate Gracie Holok and extending and early 2-0 lead. However, Saint Mary-of-the Woods College answered in the third, putting up a run to cut the lead to 2-1. The game took a turn in the fifth inning when SMWC's Hannah Boardman launched a three-run homer to take a commanding 4-2 lead.
The Crimson Pride rallied in the bottom of the fifth, making a strong comeback effort to bring the game to 4-3, but ultimately fell short, as the score held through the final innings. Despite the tough loss, the IU Columbus fought until the very end.
Looking Ahead
While IU Columbus managed a thrilling comeback in the first game, the loss in the second was a tough pill to swallow. However, the team proved they can compete with anyone, and they'll look to build on those positives as they head into two more home contests this weekend (Mar. 21 & 22).
The Crimson Pride will look to bounce back on Friday (Mar. 21) against WVU Tech in a key conference match-up. In addition to the game, we'll be celebrating Senior Day during Friday's doubleheader, with special Senior Day festivities set to take place between Game 1 and Game 2.
On Saturday (Mar. 22), the Crimson Pride will face Calumet College of St. Joseph. Friday's game will also serve as an opportunity to give back, as the team will be collecting donations for a Calumet softball player whose home was recently destroyed in a fire. All donations—100% of which will go directly to her—are greatly appreciated and will be accepted as free-will donations.
We hope to see you at the games this weekend!
#RollPride
