COLUMBUS, Ind. – The IU Columbus softball team ended their weekend on a mixed note Saturday, splitting a doubleheader with Shawnee State. After securing a convincing 9-4 victory in the opener, the Crimson Pride couldn't maintain the momentum, falling 11-6 in the nightcap despite a strong start.
Game 1: IU Columbus 9-4
IU Columbus came out swinging in the opener, with senior standout Gracie Holok leading the charge by going 1-for-3 with 4 RBIs and two stolen bases. The Crimson Pride built an early lead with one run in the first inning when Isabel Johnson drove in Hannah Taylor with a sacrifice fly.
After Shawnee State briefly took a 2-1 lead in the top of the second, IU Columbus responded immediately with two runs in the bottom half. Holok doubled home Jazlynn Stewart, then scored herself on Taylor's RBI single to retake the lead at 3-2.
The third inning proved decisive as the Crimson Pride exploded for four runs. Freshman catcher Lily Culp delivered the big blow with a three-run homer, her first collegiate home run, extending the lead to 7-2. Two more runs in the fourth inning provided additional cushion.
Senior pitcher Erica Henry went the distance for IU Columbus, scattering eight hits while recording three strikeouts. Though Shawnee State mounted a brief rally with two runs in the sixth inning, Henry shut the door in the seventh to secure the complete game victory.
Game 2: Shawnee State 11-6
The second game started promisingly for IU Columbus, who built a 6-1 lead through three innings powered by three home runs. Hannah Taylor connected for a two-run shot in the second inning, while Holok and Culp hit back-to-back solo homers in the third.
The Crimson Pride's offense showcased their power throughout the early innings, with Taylor finishing 3-for-4 with 2 RBIs and two runs scored, while Johnson added two doubles.
However, things unraveled in the fifth inning when Shawnee State erupted for six runs to take a 7-6 lead. The visitors capitalized on an error and strung together timely hits against IU Columbus starter Justice Cash, who had been effective through the first four innings.
Shawnee State didn't stop there, adding three runs in the sixth and another in the seventh to pull away. Sierra Dunnagan went 3-for-4 with two doubles, three runs scored and two RBIs, while Bianca Belo-Diaz drove in four runs to power the visitors' comeback.
Looking Ahead
Despite the split, IU Columbus showed promising signs from their young lineup, particularly with the power display from Taylor, Holok, and Culp, who combined for four home runs on the day.
The Crimson Pride will look to build on the positives of this weekend. Returning to action Friday (Apr. 4) for a conference doubleheader at IU Southeast. The first game is scheduled to start at 1:00 PM.
