After a challenging doubleheader at IU Southeast on Tuesday, the IU Columbus softball team bounced back with a commanding sweep at Midway University on Wednesday, boosting their record to 10-20 overall and 7-11 in conference play.

IU Columbus at IU Southeast - April 8
Game 1: IU Southeast 20, IU Columbus 12 

An offensive shootout where IU Columbus built an early 8-4 lead through three innings before IU Southeast exploded for nine runs in the fourth. Despite 15 hits from the Crimson Pride, including multi-hit games from Hannah Taylor (3-4), Gracie Holok (3-4), and Mallory Shelton (2-4), their pitching couldn't contain the Grenadier's powerful lineup. Erica Henry took the loss after allowing 14 earned runs, and the team's late rally fell short despite scoring four runs in the fifth inning.

Game 2: IU Southeast 4, IU Columbus 1

A pitcher's duel turned sour for IU Columbus as defensive miscues led to their downfall. Justice Cash pitched a complete game allowing just 5 hits, but 6 errors by the Crimson Pride resulted in all four IU Southeast runs being unearned. IU Columbus managed only 6 hits against IU Southeast pitcher Hallie Foley, with Izzy Johnson providing the lone RBI on a sixth-inning single. The Crimson Pride's defensive struggles wasted Cash's strong performance in the circle.

IU Columbus at Midway University (Ky.) - April 9
Game 3: IU Columbus 10, Midway 8

The Crimson Pride's offense roared back to life, powered by Mallory Shelton's electric outing, going 2-for-4 day that included a home run, triple, and 6 RBIs. Emma Chism added a home run among her three hits as IU Columbus built a commanding 10-2 lead. Despite a late Midway rally that saw the Eagles score five runs in the sixth and another in the seventh, Justice Cash held on to secure the complete-game victory, giving the Crimson Pride their first win of the road trip.

Game 4: IU Columbus 4, Midway 2

IU Columbus completed the sweep behind Erica Henry's complete-game five-hitter and timely hitting. After falling behind 2-0 in the first inning, the Crimson Pride responded with Gracie Holok's game-tying home run in the fourth inning and two go-ahead runs in the fifth via Emma Chism's RBI single and Holok's sacrifice fly. The team also showed aggressive baserunning with four stolen bases as Henry shut down Midway, retiring the final nine batters in order to secure the victory.

Looking Ahead

The four-game road trip showed that when the offense is clicking and defense plays clean, the Crimson Pride can play with anyone in the conference. IU Columbus returns home this weekend, playing their last two doubleheaders of the season on Friday (Apr. 11) and Saturday (Apr. 12). The first game of the two-day event starts at 2:00 PM on Friday where the Crimson Pride will face the Brescia University Bearcats.