April 2006 Headlines
April 29, 2006
Four Cougars garner First-Team honors,
Robey named Newcomer of the Year
Springfield, Ill. - Following today's American Midwest Conference (AMC) Championship game between William Woods (Mo.) University and McKendree (Ill.) College members of the 2006 All-Conference and Academic All-Conference Teams were announced. William Woods defeated McKendree 5-3 to earn the tournament crown.
Members of the Academic All-Conference Team include; Kendra Koch, Stephanie Kababie, Lindsey Williams, Ashley Perrigo, Sarah Moreau, Marcy Dotson, Katie McMahon and Chris Schoonover.
Seven Cougars were recognized through the All-Conference Teams. Cougars receiving first team honors were Stephanie Stowe, Perrigo, Heather Robey and Schoonover. Miriam Wegmann, Moreau and McMahon received Honorable Mention accolades.
For her efforts throughout the 2006 regular season, Robey was named the league’s Newcomer of the Year. A complete list of the members of the All-Conference and Academic All-Conference teams are available by clicking here.
The Cougars advance to the NAIA Region V tournament on May 9-11 in Springfield, Mo. Seeding for the eight-team playoff will take place later this week and include Columbia College, William Woods and McKendree from the AMC. The winner of the regional tournament will receive an automatic bid into the NAIA National Tournament in Decatur, Ala. on May 19-24.
April 28, 2006
Cougars fall in day two of AMC tournament
Springfield, Ill. – The Columbia Cougar softball team fell out of the American Midwest Conference (AMC) postseason tournament today with two losses. Columbia was defeated by No. 1 seeded William Woods (Mo.) University 1-0 in ten innings, and No. 2 seeded McKendree (Ill.) College 4-0. The Cougars fall to 38-15 on the season.
In the semifinal round of the tournament against William Woods, both teams were held scoreless until the top of the tenth. The Owls led off the top of the inning with a double and ended up scoring that runner two batters later. Columbia's Ashley Perrigo singled in the bottom of the inning, but that was the closest the Cougars came to tying the game as William Woods took the one-run victory.
Perrigo, and Lindsey Williams added two hits a piece, while Miriam Wegmann and Stephanie Kababie chipped in one hit a piece.
Heather Robey (18-7) took the loss, going the ten inning distance on the mound. Robey gave up just five hits and five walks, while fanning 16 batters.
With the loss the Cougars fell into the loser's bracket to face McKendree. Columbia failed to spark an offensive run, posting only two hits in the loss. McKendree scored one run in the second, off of a solo homerun, one in the fourth, and two in the fifth, off of another home run.
Katie McMahon (16-7) recorded the loss for the Cougars. Katie gave up seven hits in 4.2 innings of action. Kendra Koch (4-1) relieved McMahon in the fifth, posting four strikeouts and giving up just one hit.
Despite today's losses, Columbia will receive an at-large bid to the Regional tournament that will be held in Springfield, Mo. on May 9-11. Visit www.columbiacougars.com for tournament information.
April 27, 2006
Cougars win two in AMC Tourney,
Advance to semifinal round vs. top-seeded William Woods
Springfield, Ill. – The third seeded Columbia Cougar softball team defeated the No. 6 seed, Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) University 3-0 and the No. 2 seed, McKendree (Ill.) College, 2-1 in the American Midwest Conference tournament today. With the wins, the Cougars move to 38-13 on the season and advance to the semifinal round of the double elimination league playoff where they will face top-seeded William Woods (Mo.) University. That contest is scheduled to take place tomorrow at 2 p.m. The Owls are ranked No. 13 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Rating.
Against Harris-Stowe, Columbia struggled to get going offensively. In the first four innings the Cougars posted just three hits on the board. In the bottom of the fifth, Katie McMahon led off with a walk that started a rally. McMahon was sacrificed to second. The bats came alive after that with four consecutive hits and three runs scored. Harris-Stowe was held to just five hits the entire game, due to an outstanding pitching performance from junior Heather Robey. Robey (18-6) posted 17 strikeouts and gave up just one walk in the victory. With those 17 strikeouts today, Heather has tied a Columbia College record of most strikeouts in a single game.
Offensively for the Cougars, Lindsey Williams was two-for-two with one run batted in, one double and one run scored. Also collecting two hits was Ashley Perrigo, including a double. Tallying one hit a piece for Columbia was Miriam Wegmann, Marcie McMahon, and Chris Schoonover. In addition to Williams, Wegmann and Schoonover also contributed one RBI apiece.
In the second game of the day against McKendree the Cougars again struggled to spark an offensive run. Columbia and the Bearcats remained scoreless until the bottom of the sixth when McKendree managed to put one run up on the board with the help of a Cougar defensive error. Columbia answered back in the top of the seventh inning with two runs of their own. Stephanie Kababie led off with a walk and was moved to third on a base hit by Katie McMahon. The next two Cougar batters struck out, leaving the Cougars one out away from defeat.. However, Chris Schoonover stepped up to the plate and singled out to left field, bringing Kababie across the plate with the game tying run. Williams duplicated Schoonover's hit and brought McMahon home. The Bearcats were unable to answer in the bottom of the seventh, giving the Cougars the one-run victory.
Katie McMahon and Chris Schoonover chipped in two hits a piece for Columbia. Williams, Perrigo, and Kababie contributed one hit a piece in the victory.
Katie McMahon (16-6) led the Cougars from the mound, giving up just two hits in seven innings. Katie posted eight strikeouts and one walk.
Should the Cougars prevail in the semifinal contest tomorrow afternoon vs. William Woods they will advance to the championship game at noon on Saturday, April 29. A loss would drop Columbia into the loser’s bracket where they would play at 6 p.m.
April 25, 2006
Cougars drop two vs. CMSU in final regular season outing
Warrensburg, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar softball team dropped two contests in its final doubleheader of the 2006 regular season, falling to NCAA Division II Central Missouri State University 1-0 in game one and 3-1 game two. With the losses, the Cougars fall to 36-13 on the season.
In the first game, both teams were scoreless through the first six innings. Central Missouri posted the lone run of the game in the bottom of the seventh frame, when they led off with a single, sacrificed the runner to second and scored the winning run on an error. Miriam Wegmann posted Columbia's only hit of the game.
Heather Robey (17-6) took the loss for Columbia. She allowed four hits, while fanning eight batters.
In the second game, the Cougars took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning when Lindsey Williams led off the game with a double, was sacrificed to third by Wegmann and then scored on a wild pitch. In the fifth, with the help of another Columbia error, the Jennies rattled off three runs on three hits to pull ahead. The Cougars were unable to post runs in the sixth or seventh, giving CMSU its second win of the day.
Katie McMahon (15-6) recorded the loss. She struck out one and gave up six hits and a walk in five innings. Kendra Koch (4-1) relieved Koch in the sixth giving up one hit.
The Cougars kickoff postseason play on Thursday, April 27 in the American Midwest Conference (AMC) Postseason Tournament. All games will be played in Springfield, Ill. For tournament game times please check www.columbiacougars.com. The AMC tournament bracket will be release tomorrow.
April 25, 2006
Columbia College athletic department hosts
Eugene Field Elementary School for annual field day
Columbia, Mo. - For the sixth consecutive year, the Columbia College athletic department held an all-sports field day for the students of Eugene Field Elementary School, Columbia College’s Partner in Education, today on the Columbia College campus. Cougar coaching staff members and student-athletes led approximately 235 students in grades kindergarten through fifth in basketball, soccer, volleyball and intramural sessions from 9:30 a.m. – noon.
Students were divided into their respective classes and spent approximately 30 minutes working with Columbia College student-athletes and coaches in each sport or activity. Students were taught fundamentals and basic skills as well as the importance of sportsmanship and academics.
“We enjoy being a part of this event,” stated Columbia College Director of Athletics and head men’s basketball coach Bob Burchard. “Seeing our student-athletes interact with the students from Field Elementary is really special
“We value the opportunity to work with Field Elementary School,” stated Bob Burchard. “Our student-athletes really enjoy days like this because they get a chance to pass on something about the sport they love. The Field students seem to have a great time learning about all the sports we offer. It’s really a fun morning.”
April 24, 2006
Cougar Athletics holds end of year Celebration of Excellence
Columbia, Mo. - The Cougar Athletic Department held their annual Celebration of Excellence to honor the accomplishments of Columbia College’s student-athletes in their respective sports as well as in the community.
Softball pitcher Kendra Koch was the recipient of the Virginia and Stanley Williams Senior Athlete Award for having the highest GPA among all senior student-athletes.
Senior soccer midfielder Matt Mueller and the Cougar softball team were the winners of the NAIA Champions of Character Award for successfully embodying the five core values of respect, integrity, servant leadership, sportsmanship and responsibility.
Senior basketball player Terrance Smith received the Male Athlete of the Year Award. Smith has played in 68 games since his arrival in 2004. He has earned first team all-conference honors in both seasons as a Cougar, was the American Midwest Conference Newcomer of the Year during the 2004-2005 season and is two time NAIA Honorable Mention All-American. He set the season record for free-throw percent this past season converting on 52 of 55 attempts and ranks 13th in career scoring with 1,104 points. Smith helped the Cougars to a 24-9 overall record this past season and their eighth consecutive national tournament appearance.
Senior volleyball player Rose Obunaga received the Female Athlete of the Year Award. This past season Obunaga helped the Cougar Volleyball team to a 41-5 overall record and a trip to the National Championship game. Obunaga was named Academic All-Conference, First Team All-Conference, First Team All-Region, NAIA All-Tournament and NAIA First Team All-American.
Mark Dempsey, founder and co-owner of Peak Performance, was the recipient of the Athletic Director’s Award for his continued support of the Cougar Athletic Department.
Men’s Basketball Head Coach Bob Burchard and Lady Cougar Basketball Head Coach Mike Davis presented two checks to local organizations to help the fight against cancer.
Brian Butcher, American Cancer Society Community Specialist, received a check for $1,429 for proceeds generated through two Coaches vs. Cancer Basketball nights held at Columbia College last February. Funds were raised through individual donations, ticket and concessions sales.
Eric Cunningham, Columbia College’s Relay for Life Co-Captain, received a check for $4,398 from proceeds generated through the Cartridge World Cougars vs. Cancer Classic in late December and a year long campaign selling men’s basketball trading cards and 50/50 raffle tickets during all home basketball games.
April 24, 2006
Lady Cougars sign Megan Archuleta to letter of intent
Columbia, Mo. - Columbia College women’s basketball coach Mike Davis officially announced today that Columbia College has signed Megan Archuleta, a sophomore at Crowder College in Neosho, Mo., to a national letter of intent to play basketball for the Lady Cougars beginning next season.
Archuleta, a 6’0” wing player, averaged 16 points, five rebounds and two assists per game this past season as a sophomore. She was named First Team All-Region and led Crowder College to an 18-15 record.
Originally from Liberty High School in Colorado Springs, Colo., Archuleta was an All-State performer her senior year averaging 21 points, six rebounds and two assists per game.
April 22, 2006
Cougar softball wins two, finishes Capital City Classic 3-1
Oklahoma City, Okla. – The Columbia Cougar softball team pushed its overall record to 36-11 with two wins this afternoon in the Capital City Classic hosted by Oklahoma City University. Columbia defeated William Jewell (Mo.) College 8-0 in six innings and Kansas Wesleyan University 5-2 in ten innings.
In the first contest against William Jewell, Heather Robey (17-5) picked up the win fanning seven batters and giving up only two hits and zero walks.
Offensively, the Cougars were paced by Ashley Perrigo, who went three-for-three with two doubles, two RBIs and one run scored. Miriam Wegmann was two-for-three with two RBIs and one run scored. Lindsey Williams went one-for-two with two RBIs and two runs scored. Chris Schoonover recorded two hits, two runs and one stolen base.
Columbia scored one run in the first inning, two in the fourth, one in the fifth and four in the sixth to post the eight run victory.
In the second contest vs. Kansas Wesleyan, Katie McMahon (15-5) picked up the win for the Cougars. McMahon allowed two hits, two walks and two earned runs while notching seven strikeouts in 10 innings of work.
Marcy Dotson led the offensive charge in game two for Columbia with a two-for-five performance at the plate recording one RBI. Stephanie Kababie went one-for-four with two RBIs. Perrigo went one-for-five with a double, two runs scored and one RBI.
Kansas Wesleyan scored one run in the first inning to take the early lead. Columbia answered with a run of their own in the fourth. Each team scored one run in the ninth before the Cougars scored three in the tenth to secure the victory.
Columbia returns to action on Tuesday, April 25 when they travel to Warrensburg, Mo. to take on NCAA Division II Central Missouri State University. First pitch of the afternoon doubleheader is scheduled for 3 p.m.
April 21, 2006
Softball Cougars manage split in first day of Oklahoma City Classic
end winning streak at 28 games
Oklahoma City, Okla. – The Columbia Cougar softball team tallied a split in the first day of the Oklahoma City Classic today, dropping Rogers State (Okla.) University 4-3 and then falling to No. 3 ranked Oklahoma City University 8-0 in five innings. Today's games move Columbia to 34-11 on the season. With the loss to Oklahoma City, the Cougars end their winning streak at 28 games.
Versus Rogers State, Columbia fell behind 3-0 in the second inning but was able to come back, scoring one run in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh to pull ahead 4-3. The Cougars held Rogers in the bottom of the seventh to take the one-run victory.
Miriam Wegmann led the Columbia offensively, knocking two hits, picking up one run scored and posting two sacrifices. Seven Cougars posted at least one hit in the game.
Katie McMahon (14-5) was the winning pitcher. She gave up seven hits and zero walks, while logging five strikeouts.
In the second game, Oklahoma City jumped out to take a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning and did not look back. The Stars went on to score two runs in the fourth and five in the fifth. Wegmann posted Columbia's only hit of the five inning game when she smacked a double. Wegmann was one of only three Cougars to reach base.
Heather Robey (16-5) picked up the loss throwing 4.2 innings, giving up eight hits, three walks and one earned run, while totaling three strikeouts. Kendra Koch (4-1) relieved Robey, throwing to the final batter of the fifth inning to post the out.
The Cougars continue action in the Oklahoma City event tomorrow. At noon, the Cougars square off against William Jewell (Mo.) College. Columbia then faces Kansas Wesleyan University at 2 p.m.
April 21, 2006
Cougar soccer signs O’Hara’s Andrew Will to letter of intent
Columbia, Mo. - Columbia College men’s soccer coach John Klein officially announced today that Columbia College has signed Andrew Will, a senior from Archbishop O’Hara High School in Kansas City, Mo., to a national letter of intent to play soccer for the Cougars next season.
Will, a 5’8” left footed defender and midfielder, led O’Hara in scoring and assists his senior year, netting 14 goals and dishing out 13 assists. He was named First Team All-Conference and First Team All-District for his efforts.
As a junior Will tallied three goals and 11 assists and was named Second Team All-Conference, First Team All-Region and Second Team All-State Missouri Class 2.
Will plays club soccer for KC Legends WC 87/88 and has competed in numerous tournaments throughout the states of Missouri and Kansas.
Off the field Will is involved in numerous community projects including Student Council and Teens Acting for Peace.
Columbia finished the 2005 season with an overall record of 7-5-5 and advanced to the first round of the American Midwest Conference Play-In Tournament. Under Klein, the Cougars have won four of the last six American Midwest Conference titles and made the programs first National Tournament appearance in 2003.
April 20, 2006
Burchard appointed President of National Association
Columbia, Mo. – Columbia College Athletic Director and Men’s Basketball Head Coach Bob Burchard was recently selected to represent the NAIA as the president of the National Association of Basketball Coaches for 2006-07. Along with his presidency, Burchard also serves as a member of the Collegiate Committee for USA Basketball. Currently there are approximately 300 members of the NAIA that sponsor basketball.
Last year Burchard was appointed to represent the NAIA on the USA Basketball Collegiate Committee for the 2005-2008 quadrennium. The Committee is responsible for recommendations to the Board concerning USA Basketball’s men’s collegiate events, including the selection of players and coaches.
This past season Burchard led his Columbia Cougar’s to a 24-9 record and an eighth consecutive appearance at the NAIA National Tournament.
April 19, 2006
Cougar softball sets record with 27th consecutive wins
Robey pitches perfect game, named NAIA Pitcher of the Week
St. Louis, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar softball team pushed its overall record to 33-10 with two wins this afternoon, defeating Missouri Baptist (Mo.) University in an American Midwest Conference (AMC) doubleheader by the scores of 10-0 and 10-0, both in five innings. Columbia improves to 10-4 in league play and will most likely be the three seed in next week’s AMC Postseason Tournament in Springfield, Ill.
With today’s sweep of Missouri Baptist the Cougars have set the record for consecutive wins in a season at 27 in a row. The previous record of 26 games was set back in 1989 during the junior season of current Cougar Softball Head Coach Wendy Spratt.
In the first contest against the Trojans, Heather Robey (16-4) threw a perfect game fanning seven of the 15 batters that she faced. Offensively, the Cougars were paced by Lindsey Williams, who went three-for-four with a double, three RBIs, one stolen base and two runs scored. Sarah Moreau was two-for-two with a homerun, two RBIs and two runs scored. Chris Schoonover recorded two hits, a triple, two RBIs, a stolen base and two runs scored.
Columbia scored one run in the first inning, two in the second, two in the third, three in the fourth and two in the fifth to post the 10 run victory.
In the second contest, Katie McMahon (13-5) picked up the win for the Cougars. She allowed three hits and zero walks, while notching four strikeouts in four innings of work. Kendra Koch came on in relief in the fifth inning allowing one hit and striking out one batter.
Ashley Perrigo led the offensive charge in game two for Columbia with a three-for-four performance at the plate posting one RBI and one run scored. Williams went two-for-four with 4 RBIs, one stolen base and one run scored. Schoonover was two-for-two with one RBI, one stolen base and two runs scored.
Robey was also named the NAIA Softball Pitcher of the Week for the week ending April 16, 2006.
Robey, a 5-foot-8-inch junior left-handed pitcher from New Madrid, Mo., led the Cougars to a perfect 8-0 week. She had 12 strikeouts in a 4-0 win against William Jewell (Mo.) College. Robey also threw a no-hitter and had 10 strikeouts in a 1-0 victory against Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) University. Robey gave up just five walks and fanned 42 batters in 30 innings of action.
The Cougars return to action this weekend when they travel to Oklahoma City, Okla. to compete in the Oklahoma City Tournament. On Friday, April 21 Columbia opens play at 4 p.m. against Rogers State (Okla.) College followed by an 8 p.m. game against host and No. 3 ranked Oklahoma City University. On Saturday the Cougars will face William Jewell (Mo.) University at noon and Kansas Wesleyan University at 2 p.m.
April 18, 2006
Cougars win two vs. Hannibal-LaGrange in AMC doubleheader
Hannibal, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar softball team picked up its 30th and 31st wins of the season today, defeating Hannibal-LaGrange College (Mo.) in an American Midwest Conference (AMC) doubleheader by scores of 7-5 and 6-2. Columbia improves to 31-10 on the season, 8-4 in league play and has now won 25 games in a row. The Cougars are one win away from tying the record for most consecutive wins in a season that was set back in 1989.
In the first contest against the Trojans, Heather Robey (15-4) fanned nine batters and gave up six hits and four walks. Offensively, the Cougars were paced by Lindsey Williams, who went two-for-four with one Homerun, two RBIs, one stolen base and one run scored. Stephanie Stowe, Ashley Perrigo, and Chris Schoonover recorded two hits apiece. Stowe tallied one RBI and one run scored, while Perrigo added two runs and a triple. Schoonover also posted one run and one stolen base.
In the second contest, Katie McMahon (12-5) picked up the win for the Cougars. She allowed six hits and zero walks, while notching three strikeouts.
Williams again led the offensive charge for Columbia with a two-for-three performance at the plate, including a double, two stolen bases, one RBI and two runs scored. Perrigo, Stowe, Schoonover and McMahon all added one hit.
In addition, for her efforts last week, Robey was honored as the AMC and Region V Pitcher of the Week. Robey was 4-0 in five appearances on the week with a perfect 0.00 earned-run average. She started the week out with a four-hit, 10-strikeout shutout performance against AMC foe Harris-Stowe State University. Against Culver-Stockton College she threw a no-hitter while striking out 10 batters. She followed that with a three-hit seven inning performance against William Jewell College in which she struck out 12. On the week, Robey went 30 innings allowing just 11 hits and no runs while striking out 42 and walking just five.
The Cougars are back in action tomorrow, Wednesday, April 19 when they travel to St. Louis, Mo. for a conference doubleheader against Missouri Baptist University. The first pitch is scheduled to be thrown at 2 p.m.
April 17, 2006
Lady Cougars sign Amber Lewellen to letter of intent
Columbia, Mo. - Columbia College women’s basketball coach Mike Davis officially announced today that Columbia College has signed Amber Lewellen, a sophomore at Moberly Area Community College (MACC), to a national letter of intent to play basketball for the Lady Cougars beginning next season.
Lewellen, a 5’9” guard, averaged 14 points per game this past season as a sophomore. She was named First Team All-Region, All-Region Tournament Team and led MACC to a 26-9 record and an appearance at the NJCAA National Tournament.
Originally from Kirksville High School, Lewellen was a four year All-District performer, as well as a three year All-Conference recipient. She received MBCA All-State honors for two years and Sportswriters All-state honors for one year. Amber was named to the Street & Smith All American team and was also named Most Valuable Player of the MBCA Hall of Fame All-Star Game her senior year.
Lewellen will join a 2006-07 Lady Cougar squad that returns five of its players from the 2005-06 campaign, which finished with a mark of 18-13 and advanced to the second round of the American Midwest Conference tournament. Under Davis, the Lady Cougars have won four American Midwest Conference titles and made four National Tournament appearances in the past five years.
April 15, 2006
Cougars win William Jewell Tournament
Liberty, Mo. – The Columbia College softball squad had an impressive second day at the William Jewell Invitational. The Cougars won two games today, including the Championship game. They once again shutout Baker (Kan.) University 5-0 and then went on to defeat William Jewell College 3-0 in the Championship game. Columbia’s record improves to 29-10 on the season. The Cougars have now won 23 games in a row.
In the first game of the day against Baker, Columbia broke it open scoring four runs in the first four innings, and one run in the sixth. Baker was unable to produce any runs leaving the Cougars with a five run victory. Sarah Moreau played a big part in Columbia’s offense, posting three hits in three at-bats. Chris Schoonover ended the game going two-for-three from the plate, with one double and one RBI. Marcie McMahon and Lindsey Williams each had one hit.
Katie McMahon (11-5) got the victory for Columbia giving up just two hits and zero walks while striking out six.
The Cougars advanced to the Championship game against William Jewell College. Columbia scored all three runs in the second inning which proved to be enough to fend off the Cardinals. Stephanie Stowe led off the second inning with a single, then was moved to second with a Cardinal error that also placed Stephanie Kababie on base. Katie McMahon moved the runners to second and third with a groundout to the second baseman. Amanda Hodges smacked a ground rule double to plate both runners. Hodges later scored on a wild pitch.
Heather Robey (14-4) was the winning pitcher fanning eight batters and giving up three hits and two walks.
The Cougars return to the field on Tuesday, April 18 when the travel to Hannibal, Mo. to face Hannibal-LaGrange College. The first pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.
April 14, 2006
Cougars go 2-0 in first day of William Jewell tournament
Liberty, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar softball team tallied two wins in the William Jewell (Mo.) College tournament today, dropping Region V foes William Jewell College 4-0, and Baker (Kan.) University 4-0. The victories push Columbia’s overall mark to 27-10 and their win streak to 21.
Versus William Jewell, Columbia scored four runs off of nine hits. The Cougars scored one run in the first, one in the fifth and two runs in the seventh. Chris Schoonover had three hits and one run against the Cardinals. Miriam Wegmann added two hits, two RBIs, one stolen base and one run.
Heather Robey (13-4) recorded the win. She gave up three hits and two walks, while totaling 12 strikeouts.
In the second game of the day against Baker, the Cougars again took control scoring first in the second inning when Stephanie Stowe led-off with a single and was later plated by Sarah Moreau. Columbia scored twice more in the third and once more in the sixth, off of a Moreau solo homerun. The Cougars were able to hold Baker scoreless to win the game. Stowe and Moreau had two hits a piece. Sarah also scored one run, had two RBIs, hit one double and one homerun. Lindsey Williams posted one hit, one stolen base and one run, while Wegmann chipped in one hit, one RBI, one stolen base and one run.
Katie McMahon (10-5) notched the win over Baker. She totaled seven strikeouts and gave up three hits and two walks.
The Cougars continue the weekend in the William Jewell Invitational tomorrow Saturday, April 15. The Cougars received a bye for the first round of bracket competition and will play the winner of Graceland University and Baker at 1 p.m.
April 12, 2006
Cougars take two from Culver Stockton, improve to 25-10
Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar softball squad pushed its record to 25-10 today, recording two wins over Culver Stockton (Mo.) College in a Region V doubleheader in Columbia. The Cougars logged a 2-1 victory in the first game and an 11-4 win in the second. With today’s losses, the Wildcats fall to 14-25 on the season.
In the first game of the doubleheader, Cougar centerfielder Lindsey Williams scored in the bottom of the third to put Columbia on the board. The Wildcats responded in the fourth, scoring their only run of the game on two Cougar errors. Columbia added the game winning run in the fifth, when Ashley Perrigo singled to score Chris Schoonover.
Stephanie Stowe had two hits in three at-bats to lead the Cougars.
Heather Robey (12-4) recorded the win on the mound for the Cougars. Robey threw her first no-hitter of the season, giving up just one unearned run and striking out ten.
In the second game, Columbia and Culver Stockton were tied at four going into the sixth inning, when the Cougars put together a scoring barrage, totaling seven runs, including a base clearing single to score three by Stowe. Columbia was able to shut down the Wildcats in the top of the seventh to secure the seven-run victory.
Stowe again tallied two hits in the victory. She also chipped in one run and five RBIs. Miriam Wegmann, Sarah Moreau and Schoonover each posted two hits.
Kendra Koch (3-1) started the game on the mound for the Cougars. Katie McMahon (9-5) logged the win, relieving Koch in the first. McMahon struck out three while giving up five hits and four walks. Robey closed the game up, relieving McMahon in the seven. Robey faced five batters, striking out two and walking one.
The Cougars return to action this weekend when they travel to Liberty, Mo. to compete in the William Jewell Tournament. For game times and locations, please visit www.columbiacougars.com.
April 11, 2006
Softball Cougars sweep Harris-Stowe,
push win streak to 17 games
Columbia, Mo. - The Cougar Softball squad faced off against American Midwest Conference (AMC) foe Harris-Stowe State University today, defeating the Hornets in two games, 1-0 in eight innings and 9-0 in five innings. Columbia improves to 23-10 overall, pushing their winning streak to 17 games, and 6-4 in AMC action. Harris-Stowe drops to 15-10 on the season and 3-5 in league play.
In the opener the Cougars and the Hornets remained scoreless until the bottom of the ninth inning when shortstop Ashley Perrigo singled to right, and moved all the way to third on an error by the right fielder. Stephanie Stowe then singled to right field to bring the game winning run to the plate. Perrigo finished the game with three hits, including two doubles.
Heather Robey (11-4) led the Cougars from the mound with ten strikeouts while giving up four hits and zero walks.
The high scoring second game started in the first inning when Cougar centerfielder Lindsey Williams led off with a double, moved to third on a base hit by Miriam Wegmann, and was scored one batter later on a fielder's choice. Wegmann also scored in the first to put the Cougars ahead 2-0. Columbia scored one run in the second, one in the third, three in the fourth and two in the fifth to take the five inning victory.
Williams led the Cougars offensively, going four-for-four at the plate with three runs scored, one double and one RBI. Wegmann posted three hits in the victory, including two runs and two stolen bases. Stowe, Stephanie Kababie, and Chris Schoonover each posted two hits a piece.
Katie McMahon (8-5) took the victory for the Cougars, pitching five innings giving up just two hits and fanning two batters.
For her efforts last week Heather Robey was named the AMC Pitcher of the Week. Robey, a junior from New Madrid, Mo., was 2-0 on the week with a perfect 0.00 earned-run average. Against Williams Baptist College Robey went 10 innings, allowing no runs and just two hits while striking out 10. She followed that with another conference shutout in an 8-0 win, in five innings, over the University of Illinois at Springfield. Against UIS, Robey went five innings allowing just two hits and no runs while striking out five.
The Cougars return to the field tomorrow, Wednesday, April 12 when they face Region V foe Culver-Stockton (Mo.) College at 4 p.m. on the Cougar Softball field. Prior to tomorrow’s game senior Kendra Koch will be recognized as she plays her final home game as a Cougar.
April 7, 2006
Cougar Softball pushes winning streak to 15 games
Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar softball team improved to 4-4 in American Midwest Conference (AMC) play today, defeating the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS) 8-0, in five innings, and 6-1 in an afternoon doubleheader. The Cougars, who have won their last 15 straight contests, improve their overall record to 21-10 on the season.
In game one, the Cougars jumped out to an early lead scoring two runs in the first inning. The first two Cougar batters, Lindsey Williams and Miriam Wegmann, reached base on a single and an error, respectively. A sacrifice fly by Ashley Perrigo advanced Williams to third. Williams then scored Columbia’s first run by stealing home as the UIS catcher threw to second base attempting to throw out a stealing Wegmann. Wegmann then scored on a Stephanie Stowe double to centerfield.
Columbia continued their hot hitting in the bottom of the second inning scoring four runs on four hits. UIS posted their first hit of the game in the top of the third inning on a leadoff single by right fielder Amy Foley. Foley made it as far as third base but was unable to score. The Cougars posted their final two runs of the game in the bottom of the third inning to post the eight run victory.
Heather Robey (10-4) tallied the win. She gave up just two hits and no walks while fanning five UIS batters.
UIS entered the second game with more offensive power scoring a run in the first to take the early lead. However, Columbia responded scoring two runs in the second, third and fifth inning to sweep the doubleheader.
Kendra Koch (4-1) was the winning pitcher tallying one strikeout while giving up zero walks, one hit and one earned run in four innings of work. Katie McMahon (7-5) relieved Koch in the fifth inning facing ten hitters giving up one walk, zero hits and striking out two batters.
Stowe finished the afternoon going three for five with two runs scored and four runs batted in, including a two-run homerun. Chris Schoonover was also three for five with one run and one RBI. Wegmann finished the day scoring three runs going two for six from the plate.
The Cougars continue conference play on Tuesday, April 11, when they host Harris-Stowe State University at 2 p.m. Columbia’s final regular season home games are on Wednesday, April 12, against Region V foe Culver-Stockton College. Senior pitcher Kendra Koch will be honored prior to game one of Wednesday’s doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.
April 4, 2006
Softball Cougars blitz Williams Baptist in AMC doubleheader
Walnut Ridge, Ark. – The Columbia Cougar softball team improved to 2-4 in American Midwest Conference (AMC) play today, defeating Williams Baptist College 1-0 in 10 innings and 5-2 in a league doubleheader. The Cougars, who have won their last 13 straight contests, are 19-10 on the season.
In the first game, both teams were held scoreless through nine innings. In the top of the tenth Katie McMahon started the inning on second base, due to the international tiebreaker rule, and was moved to third on a base hit from Chris Schoonover. Sophomore Lindsey Williams brought McMahon home to win the game with a sacrifice fly. The Cougars were able to hold the Eagles in the bottom of the tenth to walk away with the extra inning victory.
Heather Robey (9-4) tallied the win. She gave up just two hits while fanning 10 Eagle batters.
Columbia entered the second game with more offensive power and was able to score five runs off of Williams Baptist. Stephanie Stowe led the attack for Columbia with two hits including one homerun, three RBI’s and one run scored. Ashley Perrigo went two for three with a double, one RBI and two runs scored, and Schoonover also posted two hits with one run scored and one stolen base.
Katie McMahon (7-5) was the winning pitcher, tallying five strikeouts, while giving up zero walks, six hits and one earned run. Kendra Koch (3-1) relieved McMahon in the seventh facing three batters and giving up zero walks and zero hits.
In addition, for their efforts last week, Ashley Perrigo and Katie McMahon were honored as the player and pitcher of the week in the American Midwest Conference (AMC). Perrigo, who was also named Region V player of the week, hit .526 on the week with eight runs batted in and nine runs scored. Perrigo recorded four game-winning RBI’s and had a pair of three-hit games on the week, going three-for-four against Patten University and three-for-five against St. Olaf College. She also had three multiple RBI games on the week.
McMahon, a sophomore hurler for the Cougars, was 2-0 on the week with a 0.00 earned run average and 12 strikeouts in 11 innings pitched. Against Patten University, McMahon threw a no-hitter while striking out eight. She followed that up with a two-hit performance against St. Olaf College.
The Cougars head to St. Louis, Mo. on Wednesday, April 5 for a double header against AMC rival Missouri Baptist University. First pitch is slated for 2 p.m.