Francis Marion tops Columbus State in NCAA SE Regional opener
DAHLONEGA, Ga. – Conference Carolinas champion Francis Marion started the NCAA Division II Softball Championship Southeast Regional with a complete performance. The Patriots topped sixth-seeded Columbus State 8-0 to advance in the winners’ bracket.
The third-seeded Patriots scored two runs in the first inning on a Katie Smith triple before a two-run home run from Makayla Cuthbertson gave Francis Marion a 4-0 lead after two innings. Anderson Thrower drove in one in the third before another scored on an error. Cuthbertson followed with a sacrifice fly to give Francis Marion a 7-0 lead.
Taylor Watford extended the advantage to 8-0 with a double in the fourth inning. That was all Conference Carolinas Pitcher of the Year Alyssa Poston needed as she tossed a one-hit shutout. Poston retired the final seven batters she faced and didn’t allow a hit after the first inning.
Francis Marion will now take on top seed, host and eighth-ranked North Georgia at 12:00 p.m. on Friday. The winner will advance to Saturday’s regional final while the loser will take on the winner of Columbus State and Flagler on Friday evening at 5:00 p.m. North Georgia defeated Flagler 4-0 earlier on Thursday.
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