GREENWOOD - A strong start wasn't enough for Lander on Friday as Columbus State used late-inning heroics to escape with a 3-2 win at Doug Spears Field.
The Bearcats (20-21) struck early in the bottom of the first, with Emily Allen scoring on a fielder's choice by Raquel Camuglia. Camuglia then came home on a wild pitch to give Lander a 2-0 lead.
Paige Sherman kept the Cougars (29-22) quiet through six, scattering just a few hits. But Columbus State broke through in the seventh with a sacrifice fly and an error that allowed the tying run to score.
In the eighth, Rilee Beddingfield delivered the go-ahead RBI double to left center for Columbus State.
The Bearcats couldn't bring another run across after the opening frame despite matching the Cougars with six hits. Sherman (4-5) went the distance in the loss, allowing just two earned runs over eight innings on 152 pitches.
Reagan Hill led the Bearcats at the plate, going 2-for-4, while Allen reached base four times and scored a run.
Lander will look to bounce back Saturday as the series wraps with a doubleheader.
UP NEXTÂ
Lander wraps up its series with Columbus State on Saturday in a Peach Belt Conference doubleheader beginning at noon at Doug Spears Field. Senior Day festivities will follow the conclusion of Game 2.
