Monson's 6-hit day Leads Koalas to Split with Milligan

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Columbia College softball team used a two-homer day from senior SS Skyler Monson to split their home conference series with visiitng Milligan College (TN). The Koalas took game one 8-5 before falling just short 5-4 in game two.

Monson totaled 6 hits, 2 homers, 2 doubles, and 7 RBIs on the day along with scoring four runs to up her average to .326  on the year as Columbia goes to 8-8 on the season and 3-3 in the AAC.

The Koalas got off to a big lead scoring 5 runs in the first inning of game one to take a commanding lead. They scored on rum-scoring singles from Ruthie Roman and Monson along with a two-run double from senior catcher Katie Poole. Poole drove in another run in the third while Monson crushed a two-run homer in the 4th for an 8-3 lead.

Senior pitcher Meghan Dennis (4-2) picked up the win improving to 4-2 throwing 7 innings allowing 8 hits and 5 runs (4 earned) with zero walks and 3 strikeouts. 3B Aislyn Sharp also had two hits with a double.

In game two, Milligan led 2-0 early before paddign their lead to 5-1 with a three-run homer in the 5th inning. Columbia made a rally over the 6th and 7th innings scoring three runs on Monson's two-run homer ni the sixth and Bailey Stricklands's RBI single in the 7th inning. Monson also doubled in a run in the 4th inning as she went 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs.

Kylie Smith (3-4) picked up the loss in the circle allowing 5 hits and 5 runs with a walk and five strikeouts.

The Koalas return right back to the field on Sunday at Noon to host Kentucky Christian in another AAC doubleheader.