GAINESVILLE, Ga. — CIU softball split an Appalachian Athletic Conference doubleheader with Brenau (Ga.) on Friday, earning a 4-3 win in game one before falling 4-3 in 11 innings in game two. The Rams move to 21-7 overall and 4-4 in conference play.

Game One: CIU 4, Brenau 3: CIU responded from an early deficit to take the opener behind timely hitting and a complete-game effort in the circle.

Brenau struck first with two runs in the opening inning, but the Rams answered in the fourth. Gabriella Czuczuk delivered the big swing with a two-run double, and CIU capitalized on a passed ball to plate three runs in the inning and take a 3-2 lead.

The Rams added an insurance run in the sixth as Raleigh Stewart came home on a steal of home during a rundown, extending the advantage to 4-2.

Czuczuk finished with two hits and two RBIs, while Hannah Murphy and Tristan Phillips each recorded multi-hit performances.

In the circle, Isabella Davis earned the win, tossing a complete game while allowing three runs on seven hits and striking out five.

Game Two: Brenau 4, CIU 3 (11 inn.): Game two turned into a marathon, with Brenau walking off in the 11th inning to secure the split.

CIU opened the scoring in the third on a sacrifice from Caydon Thompson, and added another run in the sixth on an RBI single from Hannah Murphy to take a 2-1 lead. After Brenau tied the game, the Rams regained the lead in the 10th when Abigail Guthrie lifted a sacrifice fly to score Carmella Korte. However, Brenau answered in the bottom half to force extra innings and eventually pushed across the winning run in the 11th.

Tristan Phillips led the Rams offensively with three hits, while Thompson added two hits and an RBI. Carmella Korte scored twice in the contest.

In the circle, Abby Ragan delivered a strong performance despite taking the loss, tossing 10.2 innings with 12 strikeouts.

Up Next: CIU continues AAC play on Saturday, March 21, traveling to face Reinhardt (Ga.) in a doubleheader beginning at 2:00 p.m. ET.