Cougars softball team opens with two losses at NAIA tournament

Columbia College lost its first two games in the NAIA National Softball Championships on Friday in Decatur, Ala. The Cougars opened with a 4-2 loss to the University of Mobile (Ala.) and ended with a 7-3 loss to Simon Fraser (B.C.) University.

Columbia College gained a 2-0 lead against No. 3 seed Mobile after the first inning, scoring two runs off of two hits and one Rams error. Mobile responded with back-to-back solo home runs in the third, then added another run on a pair of hits. The Rams scored one more run in the fifth.

Lindsey Williams had three hits in four at-bats, including two doubles and a run scored. Columbia College left six runners on base. Katie McMahon (19-5) suffered the loss, striking out four and walking none but giving up seven hits.

Columbia College was tied at 3 with Simon Fraser entering the seventh when the Clan hit a grand slam. Valerie Teter (20-7) pitched a complete game for the Cougars. Taking the loss after striking out four, giving up nine hits and three walks. Rachel Brawner had two hits, one run and an RBI.

The Cougars, now 40-12, finish pool play Saturday with games against Oklahoma City University at 3 p.m. and Walsh (Ohio) University at 8 p.m. The top two teams from each pool advance to bracket play on Monday.