Crimson Pride Offense Explodes in Game 1, but IU Southeast Sweeps the Day

The IU Columbus softball team came out swinging in game one of Tuesday’s doubleheader at IU Southeast, racking up 12 runs on 16 hits—but the pitching couldn’t keep pace, and the Crimson Pride ultimately fell 20-12. Game two saw a quieter effort at the plate as IUC dropped the nightcap 4-1.

In the opener, Gracie Holok was locked in at the plate, going 3 for 4 with a double and three RBIs. Hauser alum Hannah Taylor also turned in a stellar performance, going 3 for 4 to help power the middle of the lineup. Taylor York knocked in two runs on a perfect 2-for-2 day, and Jennings County graduate Abby McDonald added a 2-for-3 line with a double. Lily Culp matched her with a 2-for-3 outing and two RBIs, while Mallory Shelton provided power with a 2-for-4 effort and a double that drove in three.

The Pride jumped ahead early but couldn’t slow down a hot IU Southeast offense that erupted late.

In the second game, IUC couldn’t replicate the fireworks, managing just one run on a sac grounder by Josey Funk. Despite a 3-for-3 performance from Izzy Johnson, the Pride fell 4-1. Justice Cash tossed a gem for the Grenadiers, spinning a complete-game five-hitter and not allowing an earned run.

Now 8-20 overall and 5-11 in conference play, IU Columbus will head to Frankfort, Kentucky on Wednesday for a relocated doubleheader against Midway University before returning home for back-to-back conference series with Brescia and Oakland City.