FGCU Softball vs Columbia Recap

 The FGCU softball team (14-12) shutout Columbia (7-10) with a score of 6-0 Wednesday evening at the FGCU Softball Complex.

"That was a really nice efficient win and good springboard for us as we start conference play this weekend," head coach David Deiros said. "We pitched very well tonight, threw a lot of strikes and didn't give up too many free passes. Our defense was pretty solid as we made a couple of plays, including the double play in the seventh. On offense we did a nice job of putting the ball in play and moving runners, so a great outing all around and we're looking forward to A-SUN play at Kennesaw."

The scoring for the Eagles started right from the start. Senior Kate Kelly led the top of the first with a single to left then advanced to second on a fielding error. The next batter, sophomore Haley Morrell brought Kelly in with a single up the middle. Shortly after, freshman Reedy Davenport capped off the scoring roping another single to center for a 2-0 advantage after one.

Looking at one out in the bottom of the third, Davenport found herself on second base reaching on a fielder's choice then going to second on a wild pitch. This set up senior Brooke Clemens to connect on a base hit to left, bringing in Davenport.

Leading 3-0, FGCU posted a three-run fourth to pull away from Columbia. Sophomore Farley Callaghan began the inning with a knock to left and advanced to second on an error. The next batter, freshman McKenna Batterton laid down a sac bunt as a fielding error by the Lions' infield was thrown into right field, bringing both runners across. Two batters later, Morrell doubled to left center and would tack on FGCU's sixth run off an RBI single from Davenport.

Columbia placed a runner on second in each of the final three innings, but a 5-3 double play on a lineout, highlighted the final frame as the defense preserved the shutout.

Starting senior pitcher Riley Randolph tossed five innings, scattering six hits while fanning six Lions, moving to 11-5 with the victory. Sophomore Marissa Mesiemore and junior Morgan White combined for the final two innings.

Davenport finished her night at the plate going 2-for-3 with two RBI.

Fun Fact:
FGCU is 9-0 against Ivy League teams.

Up Next:
FGCU will start A-SUN play on the road this weekend facing the reigning regular season and tournament champion Kennesaw State (17-14). The doubleheader is slated to begin Saturday, Mar. 23, at 1 p.m. with the second game starting at 3 p.m. Sunday's finale will commence at 1 p.m.