COLUMBIA, S.C. - CIU softball returned to action Tuesday night with an in-town doubleheader against NCAA Division II opponent Allen University, earning a sweep with 7-3 and 13-2 victories. The Rams used a five-run seventh inning to pull away in game one before erupting for eight runs in the fifth inning of game two to secure the run-rule win. CIU improved to 10-2 on the season with the pair of wins.

Game One: CIU 7 Allen 3: CIU struck first with a pair of early runs, as Lilli Petty delivered an RBI double in the opening frame and later added another hit to finish 2-for-4 at the plate. The Rams carried a 2-1 lead into the sixth before Allen briefly moved ahead, but CIU responded in a big way in the seventh. Czuczuk sparked the rally with an RBI double to tie the game, and Caydon Thompson followed with a two-run home run to center to give the Rams the lead for good. Carmella Korte added a two-run single later in the inning to provide insurance, capping a five-run outburst. 

Czuczuk earned the win after tossing a complete game, while striking out 10 and walking just one across seven innings. Thompson finished with three RBIs, while Korte drove in two as CIU totaled 10 hits in the win. 

Game Two: CIU 13 Allen 2: After falling behind 2-1 in the first inning, Columbia International University quickly responded and never looked back. The Rams plated runs in each of the first four innings before breaking the game open with an eight-run fifth. CIU drew 10 walks in the contest and capitalized on multiple passed balls and defensive miscues to keep pressure on the Yellow Jackets. Hailey Whidden earned the win in the circle, tossing four innings while allowing six hits and two unearned runs. She struck out six without issuing a walk. Abby Ragan closed the door in relief, striking out three in a scoreless final frame.

Offensively, Petty led the way with two hits and three RBIs, including a two-run single in the fifth. Czuczuk added a double and two RBIs, while Thompson's second home run of the day tied the program's career home run record. Korte reached base four times and scored three runs, and Sydney Williams added an RBI double to cap the scoring. The Rams totaled eight hits and 11 RBIs in the win, securing the sweep with a dominant all-around performance.

Up Next: CIU hosts Carolina University (N.C.) on Saturday, Feb. 21, with the doubleheader beginning at 10 A.M. EST.