SMC Softball Takes Two from Columbia College to Extend Winning Streak to Seven

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Spartanburg Methodist College swept a doubleheader against Columbia College, winning 6-5 in eight innings in game one and 3-2 in game two.

In game one, SMC (13-6) plated three runs in the bottom of the eighth for a walk-off win. Reigning Continental Athletic Conference Softball Hitter of the Week, Gracie Starnes, led the Pioneers with a pair of triples and three RBIs. Five other SMC players recorded a hit in the victory. Kyla Quiles secured the win after recording the final out in the top half of the eighth.

Columbia College took its first lead of the day in the top of the eighth, scoring twice for a 5-3 advantage. However, a resilient SMC squad responded in the bottom half of the inning. A hustling Starnes led off with a triple to the gap between left and center field, driving in Salena Rollins, who was placed on second as part of the international tiebreaker rule. Starnes then tied the game at five when she scored on a wild pitch.

The rally continued as Carson McCowan singled to put the winning run aboard, prompting a Columbia pitching change. McCowan advanced to second on another wild pitch and then moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by McKensleigh Parnell. With one out and the winning run at third, Lydia Faulk hit a fly ball to center field. After tagging up, McCowan beat the throw home to score the game-winning run.

Starnes had also put SMC ahead early with a two-RBI triple in the first inning. The Pioneers extended their lead with an RBI single in the second. Columbia responded with a run in the third and two more in the fourth to tie the game.

In game two, SMC withstood a late rally by Columbia to secure a 3-2 victory. Five different Pioneers recorded a hit, including Alex Stuckey and Emma Kennington, who each contributed RBI singles. Pitchers Kyla Quiles and LeAnn Curry combined to limit Columbia to just two hits.

The Pioneers broke the scoreless tie in the third inning when Stuckey delivered a two-out RBI single, bringing in Kennington, who had reached earlier on a fielder's choice. SMC added two more runs in the fifth. Kennington drove in Lena Schwippert, who had hit a one-out double earlier in the inning. Kennington then stole her second base of the inning before scoring on a Koalas error.

Columbia College attempted a comeback in the sixth, scoring twice on just one hit. The Koalas loaded the bases, but closer LeAnn Curry came in to induce a groundout, preserving SMC's lead.

Next, SMC will play a doubleheader against Bluefield (VA) on Saturday at 1 p.m.