Columbia International University Athletics

HIALEAH, FLA. - CIU Softball began spring break play with a week-long three-series trip through the Sunshine State. On Tuesday afternoon, the Rams (10-12) took on Florida National (15-6), falling 8-3 in game one and coming up short in their comeback efforts in game two, 4-3. 

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

GAME ONE: CIU 3 FNU 8: CIU took the lead early due to two errors by the Conquistadors to make the score 2-0. However, Florida National would quickly erase their deficit scoring seven runs in the second inning. Neither team would add more runs until the sixth inning as the Conquistadors would homer to increase their lead to 8-2. CIU would manage to add one run in the top of the seventh inning with a single from Dallas Mayers but couldn't manufacture more runs for an 8-3 final in game one. 

BOX SCORE NOTES: 

• CIU had a product game at the plate, outhitting Florida National 13 to 10. 
• Four Rams recorded two hits in the game, including Tanaya Ellis, Hallie Miller, Margaret Schubert, and Dallas Mayers.
• Mary Esterak and Julia Theilen saw time in the circle and combined to pitch four scoreless innings. 

GAME TWO: CIU 3 FNU 4: Florida National took a 3-0 advantage in the second inning and added one more run in the fifth to go up 4-0. CIU finally got things going in the third inning, scoring three runs to cut the deficit to one run (4-3). But, CIU could not get the run they needed in their final at-bat, cutting their comeback efforts short.

BOX SCORE NOTES: 

• Megan Stolzenbach had a solid game at the plate with two hits and an RBI. 
• Lauren Baker also played well in game two with two hits and an RBI as well. 
• Cissy Doolittle pitched the entire way, allowing ten hits, three earned runs, with two strikeouts. 

Up Next: 
CIU will take on Ave Maria University tomorrow with a doubleheader starting at 1 PM.