For the first time in the history of the program the Columbia International University Softball team took to the field at home on their own field. This day has been a long time coming and a dream for a lot of people. Even though it was not the best of weather, the Rams brought the fireworks as they sweep the Bruins of Piedmont International by scores of 6-3 and 7-4.

Game One Highlights:

• Alexis Holler got the start for the Rams and put the Bruins down in order with two strikeouts in the first inning
• Kaylyn DeVaney was up first for the Rams and got hit by the pitch, she stole second during the next at-bat. After a strikeout and groundout, the Rams forced two straight walks. Milena Picciano stepped up with the bases loaded looking to put the Rams on the board and that's what she just did as she hit a single to left to score two
• At the end of the first inning the Rams were up 2-0
• Each team would be unable to score until the Rams came up in the bottom of the third inning
• Alyssa Allender started the inning off with a walk, but scored on a double by Trinity Jennings to put the Rams up.After Jennings advanced to third, Robyn Andrews stepped up and singled past the shortstop to score Jennings. At the end of the inning the Rams were up 4-0.
• In the top of the fourth the Bruins bats came to life as they scored two runs on three hits, to trim the Rams lead 4-2
• The top of the fifth saw the Bruins score another run to pull within one 
• Kayla Washington reached base on a walk and after a groundout was at second as Andrews stepped up to bat. On the first pitch she saw, Andrews smacked one over the fence for the Rams first home run at home. At the end of the inning the Rams were up 6-3
• The Rams would get two more hits in the bottom of the sixth, but after a full seven innings the Rams won game one 6-3

Game One Box Score Highlights:

• The Rams scored six runs on seven hits and recorded four walks...The middle of the order got the job done for the Rams...Robyn Andrews led the Rams with two hits and three runs batted in...Milena Picciano had two runs batted in, while Trinity Jennings had the other run batted in...Brittney Allender had two hits as well...On the mound Alexis Holler picked up the win striking out six and Lana Fletcher pitched three innings in relief...Missy Smith led the Bruins with two hits

Game Two Highlights:

• In the top of the first inning the Bruins got on the board after working their leadoff batter around the bases until she scored
• Alyssa Allender got the first hit in the bottom of the inning, but after the first inning the Bruins were up 1-0
• The Rams got on the board in the bottom of the second inning after two straight doubles by Milena Picciano and Madison Janning
• The Rams and Bruins would get some hits in the third inning, but neither team would score
• In the top of the fourth the Bruins scored another run on a double to up 2-1
• The Rams answered in the bottom of the fourth as Elizabeth Allen and Brittney Allender scored on a single by Alyssa Allender to take a 3-2 advantage
• The top of the sixth hurt the Rams as the Bruins got three hits, but scored two runs to lead 4-3
• After the Bruins took the lead in the top of the inning the Rams came back and answered in the bottom of the inning. After Vianka Morales and Allender got on base, Alyssa Allender smacked a double to deep right to score them both. Kayla Washington was up next and roped a ball to right and mde it all the way to third scoring Allender. Washington would score on a Jennings groundout, but at the end of the inning the Rams were up 7-4
• The Bruins would put some pressure on the Rams, but Holler got the last Bruins to strike out looking as the Rams won 7-4 and sweep the doubleheader

Game Two Box Score Highlights:

• The Rams would score seven runs on eight hits...The Rams only struck out once...Alyssa Allender led the Rams with three hits and four runs batted in...Five other Rams had a hit for the Rams...Kayla Washington, Trinity Jennings, and Madison Janning all had a run batted in...Alicia Wallick started game two and pitched four solid innings...Lana Fletcher and Alexis Holler came into the game in relief with Holler picking up the win...Olivia Bullard led the Bruins with two hits

Coaches Quote: "This was such a special day and I'm so very grateful for all of the CIU students, staff and families who endured the cold to support us. I'm happy that we showed everyone a great display of our team personality and character. Piedmont International came for a fight and I was proud that our ladies fought back and came away with two victories. Kudos to our pitchers for their teamwork on the mound. I'm also happy to see us get runners on base consistently and come up with clutch hits to score them. It's fun to win at home!"

Up Next: The Rams will take part in the Blue White Alumni Classic at Southern Wesleyan University this weekend. On Friday, the Rams will take on Point University (10 am) and WVU Tech (3 pm). On Saturday, the Rams will play Talladega College (3 pm) and host Southern Wesleyan (8 pm).