COLUMBIA, S.C.- CIU softball split Wednesday's doubleheader against Milligan University, dropping the opener before bouncing back with a 7-2 win in game two. The Rams were held hitless in the first game but responded with a 12-hit performance behind a complete-game effort from Abby Ragan to secure the split. CIU improves to 24-10 on the season.
Game One: Milligan 5 CIU 0: The Rams held things scoreless through the first two innings, but Milligan broke through in the third with four runs to take control. CIU's defense battled behind starter Isabella Davis, who worked through traffic early before the Buffaloes capitalized with timely hits.
Raleigh Stewart provided a bright spot in relief, delivering three scoreless innings and allowing just one hit to keep CIU within reach. Defensively, the Rams settled in after the early innings and limited further damage the rest of the way. At the plate, CIU drew four walks but was unable to string together any offense, as Milligan's pitching staff kept the Rams off the scoreboard and secured the shutout.
Game Two: CIU 7 Milligan 2: The Rams broke through in the second inning, capitalizing on aggressive baserunning and timely hitting to score three runs. CIU continued to build momentum in the third, adding two more runs with RBI contributions from Sophia Noriega-Mora and Raleigh Stewart to extend the lead to 5-0. In the fourth, CIU took advantage of Milligan miscues, plating two more runs to push the advantage to 7-0.
In the circle, Ragan delivered a complete-game performance, allowing just five hits and two runs while striking out eight to earn the win. Offensively, the Rams tallied 12 hits, with multiple players contributing at the plate. Hannah Murphy led the team with three hits, while Tristan Phillips, Abigail Guthrie, and Lilli Petty also added multi-hit performances.
Up Next: CIU has a quick turnaround and hosts Montreat College (N.C.) tomorrow, Thursday, April 2, with a doubleheader starting at 4 P.M. EST.
