Columbia College beats Wildcats 3-0

Columbia (S.C.) rode a dominant complete-game shutout from M. Vaughn and timely hitting from the top of the order to blank Bay Path University (Mass.) 3–0 on Thursday afternoon at the NMB Sports Complex in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Vaughn (5–3) was in control from the start, allowing just two hits over seven innings while striking out seven and walking two. Bay Path managed singles from Caroline Austin and Ariana Rivard, but never mounted a sustained threat, finishing 0-for in the RBI column and leaving four runners on base. Vaughn threw 91 pitches (58 strikes) and did not allow an extra-base hit.

The game was scoreless through three innings before Columbia broke through in the fourth. J. Littlejohn—who had a huge day at the plate—sparked the inning and came around to score when E. Seymour lined an RBI single to left, giving Columbia a 1–0 lead.

Columbia added separation in the sixth. After B. Miller reached and created pressure on the bases, Littlejohn drilled an RBI double to center to make it 2–0. Littlejohn finished 3-for-3 with a double, a triple, an RBI, and two stolen bases (though she was also caught stealing once), consistently putting Bay Path's defense under strain.

The final insurance run came in the seventh. Seymour reached again and eventually scored when J. Holder chopped an RBI single up the middle area to shortstop, pushing the margin to 3–0. Holder went 2-for-3 with an RBI, while Seymour posted a 2-for-3 line with an RBI and a run scored.

Bay Path pitcher Alyssa Kreischer (0–1) went the distance as well, allowing three runs on seven hits with two walks and four strikeouts. Despite a solid effort in the circle, Bay Path couldn't solve Vaughn's mix and command, striking out seven times and hitting into two double plays.