March 24, 2012
Columbus State Wins Extra-Inning Affair 1-0
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Columbus – Pitching was the name of the game in the second contest between Columbus State and Lander Saturday afternoon as the Lady Cougars pulled out a 1-0 Peach Belt Conference victory in eight innings to sweep LU in the doubleheader.
Branigan Wix began the bottom of the eighth drawing a walk before advancing to second on a wild pitch. Nina Rubio attempted to sacrifice Wix over but after two failed attempts, she took things into her own hands singling to centerfield putting runners on the corners.
Not wanting Morgan Knight to be the hero again, Lander (17-19, 1-9) intentionally walked her to load the bases with no outs. After a foul out to the catch, Kara Gordon ripped a single through the right side plating the game-winning run.
Mollie Russell was brilliant in the circle for the Lady Cougars as she allowed just two hits over eight innings without issuing a free pass and striking out eight. The right-hander improved to 11-6 on the year.
Rubio and Gordon each had two hits in the contest, the lone hits for CSU (25-11, 4-2).
Hayley Leissner (9-11) was the hard luck loser surrendering just one run on four hits and five walks. She struck out 13 batters, a season high for the Columbus State hitters.
The only other threat either side had in the game came in the bottom of the third which also started off with a Wix walk. Rubio put down a bunt but it was muffed by the LU third baseman placing runners on first and second. Unfortunately for the hosts, the next three batters were retired to end the side.
Columbus State also hosted their annual Cancer Awareness Day in which they held a silent auction for the commemorative worn game jerseys, had raffles for prizes, took monetary donations and donated all proceeds from the concession stand which went to the American Cancer Society. In total, the CSU program was able to raise $1700.
"Our fans are the absolute best," stated head coach Brad Huskisson. "We set a goal of $1000, and to beat that by the number we did, it speaks volume to the support we have from everyone associated with the program and the compassion to try and beat this dreaded disease.
CSU is back in action tomorrow afternoon as they take on third-ranked North Georgia in PBC action. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at Cougar Field.
