Lions Split Doubleheader at Home With Tigers

Three days after splitting the first doubleheader against Princeton (18-23, 8-4 Ivy), the Lions (17-19, 7-9 Ivy) continued the trend, dropping the first game 2-1 and winning the second 3-2.

The first game was once again a pitching duel between freshman Aimee Kemp and Princeton's Kristen Schaus. Schaus retired the first nine Columbia batters, and though she ultimately stopped the Lions' offense in the end, she couldn't contain senior co-captain Lacie Nelson, who hit her team-high third home run of the season in the bottom of the fifth.

"It was a classic Princeton-Columbia softball game," head coach Kayla Noonan said. "We're so similar in that our pitchers will fight, and it's always going to be about which team gets the big hit."

That big hit would come in the top of the seventh with a Princeton single to left, which scored the game-winning run.

The Lions got the lead early in the second matchup with Princeton with a quick start on offense. Valerie Smith recorded her second home run of the season in the bottom of the first, staking the Light Blue to a 3-0 lead. The Lions wouldn't score again, and depended on their pitching and defense to hold off the Tigers.

Right-handed freshman Deanna Minuto started for Columbia for the first time in her career in the second game.

"She [Minuto] was really big for us today," Noonan said. "She hasn't had a start for us all season, and to come in, in such a crucial matchup in the 36th game of the season, is such a testament to her mental preparation."

Minuto threw three-and-two-thirds innings, allowing two runs, one earned, before Kemp came in to relieve her in the fourth. Kemp continued to show poise as she pitched for her fourth game of the series. Without giving up another run, Kemp closed the game and held onto the Lions' 3-2 lead for the win.

"Our pitchers have done a fantastic job," Noonan said. "Deanna wasn't anticipating a start for her, but you know, she was poised and confident and came in and did exactly what she needed to do."

Columbia faces Fairfield this afternoon in its first nonconference game in two weeks. Fairfield (9-17) is on a four-game losing streak after being swept by Marist last weekend. Opening pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. in Fairfield, Conn.