College Softball: Dickerson's shutout puts Cougars in World Series

FAYETTE - Columbia College freshman Lexi Dickerson pitched her fifth shutout of the season last Wednesday, leading the Cougars to a 9-0 in six innings against Central Methodist in the Opening Round championship game of the Fayette Regional.

Dickerson (Eugene High School) scattered seven hits in the win, finishing with one walk and three strikeouts to improve her season record to 12-3.

In 21 appearances this season, Dickerson has a 1.92 ERA in 87 innings with 27 walks and 55 strikeouts.

Senior Allyson Metz (Jefferson City High School) went 2-for-4 and had a two-run single in the top of the first inning to give Columbia College the lead.

Senior Karli Leeper (South Callaway High School) was 1-for-3 and hit a two-run double in the sixth to help seal the win by run-rule. Senior Dakota Newton (Jefferson City High School) also doubled for the Cougars.

This season, Metz is batting .331 (49-for-148) with 24 RBI and 24 runs scored, while Leeper is hitting .320 (40-for-125) with 31 runs scored and 30 RBI. Newton is hitting .257 (29-for-113) with 27 runs scored and 16 RBI this season.

With the win, Columbia College (33-14) returns to the NAIA World Series for a second straight season. The Cougars received the No. 10 seed in the 10-team, double-elimination tournament, which will be played in Clearmont, Fla.

Columbia College opens plays against No. 7 Mobile (Ala.) (46-13) at 9 a.m. CST Friday.

The winner will face No. 2 Oklahoma City (51-7) at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.