COLUMBIA, SC -- Carolina University Softball was on the road for a double-header against NCCAA foe, Columbia International University. The Bruins opened the game up with a 1-0 lead after a lead-off double by Kayli Cook. Danielle Brooks was on the mound for CU and put in some quality work. However, the Rams were able to score 2 runs in the bottom of the second and 2 more in the bottom of the fifth to hold a 4-1 lead going into the sixth. The Bruins offense could not be held quiet any longer. Maggie Smith stepped up to the plate as the tying-run and sent the first pitch of her at-bat sailing over the centerfield wall. This 3-run shot tied the game at 4-4 and gave the Bruins new life. The Bruins maintained the tie and went to the field in the bottom of the seventh looking to force extras. However, the Rams were able to generate a 2-out run to escape with a 5-4 victory. 

Danielle Brooks had 4 strikeouts and gave up 4 runs across her 5 1/3 innings of work. Maggie Smith pitched the last 1 and 2/3 innings giving up just 1 run. Smith also went 2-3 from the plate including her first homerun of the season that led to 3 RBIs. Kayli Cook went 3-4 with a double and scored twice on the day. Lyric Ryan went 1-2 with a walk and a score. Chelsea Skipper made the most of her pinch-hit opportunity going 1-1. 

The Bruins will look to split with the Rams in the second half of today's double-header.