Columbus East High School

COLUMBUS — The Columbus East softball team matched visiting Greenfield-Central hit-for-hit Thursday evening, but it was the Cougars who capitalized in key moments, handing the Olympians an 8-2 loss at Olympian Field. East opened with early momentum, as Lola Watkins led off with a single, stole second, and came around to score on a sharp RBI single from pitcher Baleigh Fish. The Olympians looked poised to continue their unbeaten start, but Greenfield-Central’s consistent approach at the plate and impressive defensive execution proved to be the difference. The Cougars answered in the third and surged ahead with a three-run fourth inning that put the Olympians on their heels. East responded when Ariel Darnell sparked a fourth-inning rally with a single and scored on Watkins’ second hit of the night, cutting the deficit to 4-2. But the Cougars would tack on four more runs, including a three-run homer that put the game out of reach. While the Olympians tallied nine hits — equaling Greenfield-Central’s total — they struggled to string them together when it mattered most. Several promising innings ended with runners left stranded, including a pivotal second inning that saw East put runners on second and third with one out but come up empty. Greenfield-Central’s defensive performance played a major role in that, with standout plays from their shortstop and third baseman stifling multiple East threats. The Cougars were also patient and disciplined at the plate, forcing Fish to work deep into counts and delivering several hard-hit line drives. Despite the setback, there were bright spots for East. Watkins continued to be a spark at the top of the lineup, going 2 for 4 with an RBI. Fish helped her own cause at the plate with two hits and an RBI, while also striking out five over six innings in the circle. Jacque Boroughs added two hits and threw a scoreless seventh in relief. Kenzie Hampton, Taylor Wessel, and Darnell each contributed a hit to round out the offense. The Olympians will look to bounce back as they prepare to travel to Mt. Vernon for a Saturday doubleheader — weather permitting.