KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Just four short years ago, Columbia International (CIU) softball was a program without a field; today, the Rams played for a national championship. CIU took part in their first-ever National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) World Series title game Thursday as the Rams fell to Southwestern Assemblies of God (Texas.) 7-4. Just reaching the championship is a notable feat due to the young nature of the program as head coach Sara Allen started the team back in 2018. The Rams finish the entirety of the World Series going 4-2 as they went 2-1 during pool play and then rolled Trinity Baptist (Fla.) 14-1 in the World Series semifinals.  

In Thursday's championship, CIU jumped out all over the Lions in the first inning as a two-run blast from Lauren Baker put CIU up 2-0. The Rams would then add another run in the second inning as Shannon Patton scored after Tanaya Ellis was walked with the bases loaded. The Rams held the 3-0 lead thanks to pitcher Mary Esterak and CIU's defensive unit until SAGU put up two runs in the fourth and one in the fifth to tie the game. However, the tide turned in the bottom of the sixth as the Lions rattled off four runs to go up 7-3. The Rams had opportunities in the top of the seventh but only managed to capitalize on one of them, ultimately falling 7-4. 
 

Both Lauren Baker and Haylee Wilkerson were named to the NCCAA World Series All-Tournament Team. Baker went 2-of-4 with three RBIs and a home run in the title game while also making several impressive plays from the shortstop position. Wilkerson was quiet at the plate in the World Series finale but was instrumental in helping CIU reach the championship game. As a team, CIU was solid, notching three doubles and six total hits. 

On the mound, Mary Esterak kept CIU competitive for the duration of her appearance, allowing just two earned runs while facing 24 batters.

Head coach Sara Allen commented on what has been the most successful season in CIU softball's short existence saying "This was the most fun week I've experienced in CIU softball history. The girls competed at a level worthy of a national championship, and I couldn't be more proud to be their coach. This is a great foundation moving forward in our program, and I'm very excited for what lies ahead of us. All glory to God for everything He did in and through us this year!"

The Rams finish the season with the most wins in program history as they end the year with an overall record of 27-31-1.