FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - On Thursday, Columbia International University opened play at the Space Coast Spring Games with a pair of wins over Goshen College (Ind.). The Rams claimed a 3-1 victory in game one before erupting late for a 9-3 win in game two, completing the sweep on the first day of tournament action. With the two wins, CIU improved to 12-2 on the season. 

Game One: CIU 3 Goshen 1: After three scoreless innings on both sides, the Rams broke through in the fourth. Raleigh Stewart and Lilli Petty opened the frame with back-to-back singles before Hannah Murphy drove in the first run with an RBI groundout. Sophia Noriega-Mora followed with a two-run single to center, plating both runners to give CIU a 3-0 advantage.

That would be all the offense the Rams needed behind a steady performance in the circle from Isabella Davis. Davis (4-1) worked five innings, allowing just one run on seven hits while striking out six. She worked out of multiple jams, including a bases-loaded situation in the fourth, to keep Goshen off the board. Goshen cut the deficit to 3-1 in the fifth on an RBI double, but CIU's pitching and defense held firm the rest of the way. Hailey Whidden entered in the sixth and tossed two scoreless innings to earn her second save of the season, allowing just one hit and preserving the win.

The Rams totaled six hits in the contest, with Tristan Phillips leading the way with two. Stewart, Petty, and Abigail Guthrie each added a hit as well.

Game Two: CIU 9 Goshen 3: Goshen jumped out to a 3-0 lead through three innings, capitalizing on a pair of hits in the second and an RBI double in the third. CIU responded in the bottom of the third when Stewart doubled to left field to cut the deficit to 3-1. In the fifth, Guthrie singled to start the inning, and after Katie Rhyne reached, Petty drove in a run on a fielder's choice. Then, Caydon Thompson followed with an RBI single to tie the contest at 3-3.

CIU seized control in the sixth inning with a six-run outburst. Phillips ignited the rally with a single and stole both second and third before Guthrie brought her home with a bunt single. Petty added another RBI on a fielder's choice, and Murphy delivered an RBI single to extend the lead. The Rams took advantage of defensive miscues to plate three more runs and push the margin to 9-3.

Guthrie paced the offense with a 3-for-3 performance, including a triple and an RBI. Phillips also went 3-for-3 with two runs scored and two stolen bases, while Stewart collected two hits. Thompson added an RBI and drew two walks as CIU totaled 12 hits and five stolen bases in the win. In the circle, Abby Ragan earned the victory, tossing four scoreless innings with three strikeouts.

Up Next: CIU takes on Spring Arbor (Mich.) and Grand View tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 27, at 12:15 P.M. and 2:30 P.M.