PEMBROKE – Visiting Columbus State held the UNCP softball team to only five hits and shutout the Lady Braves after seven full innings in the first game of the doubleheader at LRA Field to snatch the 2-0 victory in Peach Belt Conference action.

The Lady Braves (11-15, 1-2 PBC) suffered its second-straight loss and second loss in conference action, while Columbus State (17-9, 1-0) notched its ninth-straight win and first victory in league play.

Junior Natalie Klemann (4-4) sent five batters back to the dugout after three effective strikes in a row, but allowed two runs (one earned) in her complete game in the middle for the Black and Gold. Klemann delivered 108 pitches to the 29 batters faced and gave up seven hits in the process. Columbus State's Mollie Russell (9-5) was in the circle for all seven innings and let UNCP notch the five hits. 

Juniors Taylor Cloninger and Shelby Holland along with sophomores Kaytee Wilson, Brea Hartley and Megan Hillard collected one hit apiece, while Taylor Turner was 2-for-3 from the plate for Columbus State.

The Cougars put the first run on the board in the third inning as Kori Waugh tagged first on a fielder's choice, stole second and was brought home on Casey Googe's left field single. Again in the sixth inning, Columbus State put Kristen Carr on base with a single up the middle, before Kodi Ricketson doubled to left center to push Carr across home plate for the insurance run.

The Lady Braves sent six batters to the box in the first inning but no more than four faced Russell in the remaining six innings.