GRAPEVINE, TX. - Columbia International University softball saw its historic 2026 season come to an end in the NCCAA Softball World Series semifinals with a loss to Southwestern Christian University on Wednesday afternoon. The Rams finished the year with a program-record 40-20 overall record after making their second appearance in program history at the national tournament. Throughout the season, CIU rewrote the record books with multiple single-season and career marks broken while capturing the NCCAA South Region Championship and recording the first 40-win season in program history.
SCU 7 CIU 0: Southwestern Christian took an early lead in the opening inning, but CIU answered with three hits in the bottom half as Tristan Phillips, Lilli Petty, and Hannah Murphy each singled. The Rams threatened again in the fourth inning after Gabriella Czuczuk singled to center field and Kami Meekins delivered a pinch-hit single through the left side, but both runners were stranded. CIU continued battling throughout the afternoon as Phillips reached base in the fifth and Raleigh Stewart added a single in the seventh, but the Rams were unable to break through offensively.
Seven different Rams recorded a hit in the contest, including Meekins' pinch-hit single off the bench. Abby Ragan, Isabella Davis, and Gabriella Czuczuk combined for the effort in the circle. Ragan recorded three strikeouts in relief over the final inning.
What Head Coach Sara Allen is saying, "This season was about so much more than wins and losses. I'm incredibly proud of the way our CIU Rams competed, grew together, and represented our university with character, toughness, and faith every single day. From an outstanding start to the season to finishing strong heading into postseason play, this group showed resilience, unity, and heart throughout the year. I'm deeply grateful to our players, our coaching staff, and especially the families who sacrificed, traveled, prayed, and supported these young women all season long. We are also thankful for the amazing support from the entire CIU community that made our team feel encouraged every step of the way. The future of CIU softball is bright, and I'm excited to see this program continue to grow and succeed in the years ahead."
