COLUMBIA - CIU softball scored 18 runs across two games on Saturday as the Rams opened year six of their program with two decisive wins over NCAA Division II Allen University (S.C.). The meeting between the two teams is the first since the Rams and Yellow Jackets met back in 2019 when the teams split a doubleheader.
GAME ONE: CIU 9 ALLEN 1 - The Yellow Jackets struck first, pushing a runner across in the bottom of the first. But the early run would turn out to be a facade as the Rams would rattle off nine unanswered to eventually run-rule the Yellow Jackets in five innings. The Rams got the scoring with a three-run top of the third, highlighted by a two-RBI homer from Josie Self. A Megan Stolzenbach two-RBI single and an RBI double from Self furthered the Ram's cause in the fourth, pushing the lead to 8-1. After CIU added another in the fifth, Miranda Fulmer would force the run-rule from the circle, striking out the final two Yellow Jacket batters.
Box Score Highlights:
- Fulmer was superb, striking out 11 batters while yielding just one earned run and two hits.
- Stolzenbach and Self led the Rams with three hits and three RBIs each.
GAME TWO: CIU 9 ALLEN 3: Once again, Allen appeared to have the upper hand holding a 2-1 lead after the first inning. Ally Clap evened the score on an RBI single in the top of the second, but the Yellow Jackets batted a run in on a ground-out to surge forward in the bottom of the inning. CIU then turned to veteran infielder Shannon Patton who sent home Margaret Schubert and Carmella Korte with two-RBI double to put the Rams in front in the top of the fourth. A Caydon Thompson RBI-double and a Korte two-RBI double in the game's final three innings helped the Rams rattle off five unanswered as they staved off Allen in game two.
Box Score Highlights:
- Sydnee Dial pitched all seven innings, facing 28 batters with seven K's.
- As a team, the Rams recorded 12 hits, with four different players posting at least two hits.
- CIU posted three stolen bases, with Macey Drye, Stolzenbach, and Dial, each tallying one.
Up Next: The Rams play their home opener on Tuesday, Feb. 6, with a doubleheader versus Brewton-Parker (Ga.) beginning at 2:00 p.m. EST.