COLUMBUS, Ind. – The IU Columbus softball team celebrated Senior Day with a split doubleheader against Calumet College of St. Joseph's on Saturday. The day started off strong with a 5-4 victory in the first game, but the Crimson Wave's offense was too overwhelming in the second game, falling 15-11.
Prior to Game 1, IU Columbus took a moment to recognize and honor the hard work and dedication of their five seniors:
Kaydence Brewer,
Erica Henry,
Gracie Holok,
Macy Hussung, and Izzy Johnson. Each senior was celebrated for their leadership and commitment to the program over their collegiate careers. Their families were also acknowledged as part of the ceremony, making it a special day for all involved.
Game 1: IU Columbus Wins, 5-4
In the first game of the day, IU Columbus took a 5-4 victory after a late rally from Calumet in the seventh inning. The game started with early fireworks, as Gracie Holok blasted a two-run homer in the first inning, putting the Crimson Pride on the board early. Calumet responded in the fourth inning, with a solo home run from Kylee Slack, narrowing the gap to 3-1.
The home team increased their lead in the fifth inning after Hannah Taylor delivered a sacrifice fly, bringing in Holok for the 4-1 advantage. But Calumet wasn't done yet. In the seventh, they launched a comeback led by Tiffanie Brieno, whose three-run homer tied the game at 4-4.
However, in the bottom of the seventh, it was Hannah Taylor who delivered the game-winning hit. Taylor singled to center field, scoring Holok to give IU Columbus the 5-4 win. Despite the valiant effort from the Calumet offense, Justice Cash held strong on the mound, earning the win after pitching 6.1 innings, allowing 9 hits but striking out three.
Game 2: Calumet Wins, 15-11
The second game of the doubleheader was an offensive explosion, with Calumet emerging victorious 15-11. Despite 18 hits from IU Columbus, they couldn't overcome the offensive onslaught of Calumet's bats.
The first inning saw Calumet jump out to a dominant 6-0 lead, sparked by an unearned three-run error that allowed three runners to cross the plate, followed by a three-run blast from Emily Michalak. IU Columbus fought back in the third, as Hannah Taylor's two-run double made it 6-2. But Calumet continued to pour it on, extending their lead to 10-2 by the fifth inning.
The home team's bats finally came alive in the fifth inning. Jazlynn Stewart singled for two RBIs, and Kaydence Brewer's two-run hit brought the score to 10-6. The momentum seemed to be shifting, but Calumet continued to answer. A solo home run by Kylee Slack, along with key hits from Ruby-Mae Anderson and Kelsey Lovelace, extended their lead further.
By the sixth inning, Calumet had built a 15-10 advantage. IU Columbus got one last push in the seventh, as Taylor singled to drive in a run, but it wasn't enough to close the gap, and the game ended 15-11 in favor of the visitors.
IU Columbus had several standout performances, with Taylor York going 4-for-5, while Hannah Taylor also had a solid game at the plate, going 3-for-5 with three RBIs. However, despite their offensive efforts, the team struggled defensively with costly errors and couldn't keep pace with Calumet's relentless attack.
On the mound, Erica Henry took the loss for IU Columbus after giving up 8 hits and seven earned runs over five innings. Maddison Brittain and Justice Cash both saw time on the mound but couldn't slow down the Calumet offense.
Looking Ahead
While the comeback fell short in the second game, the team showed the could compete. Significantly improving their scores from last years outing. The team will continue building on their strong performances and work on tightening up their mistakes.
The Crimson Pride are back in action this week with back-to-back doubleheaders Friday (Mar. 28) and Saturday (Mar. 29). Friday's game is against conference front-runner Rio Grande. The first game is scheduled to start at 12:00 PM.
