Crimson Pride Softball Extends Winning Streak with Doubleheader Sweeps

IU Columbus softball team dominates Midway and Kentucky Christian in back-to-back doubleheaders.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 7:25am

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The IU Columbus softball team continued its hot streak, sweeping doubleheaders against Midway and Kentucky Christian to extend its winning streak to five games. The Crimson Pride totaled 26 hits in the two wins over Midway, led by strong performances from Lexi Heafner, Carli Hosler, Mallory Shelton, and Emma Chism. IU Columbus then rallied from an early deficit to defeat Kentucky Christian 14-8 in the opener before cruising to a 12-3 victory in the second game, powered by Linnea Baldner, Hosler, and Chloe Linn.

Why it matters

The Crimson Pride's recent success has helped them improve to 10-8 overall and 7-5 in conference play, putting them in a strong position as they look to make a push for the postseason. The team's offensive firepower and resilience have been key factors in their winning streak.

The details

In the doubleheader against Midway, the Crimson Pride totaled 26 hits, with Lexi Heafner leading the way with six RBIs in the first game. Carli Hosler added a home run, while Mallory Shelton and Emma Chism each hit key home runs in the second game. Against Kentucky Christian, IU Columbus rallied from a 6-0 deficit to win the opener 14-8, with Linnea Baldner recording four hits and Hosler driving in five runs. In the second game, the Crimson Pride scored 12 runs in the second inning on their way to a 12-3 victory, led by Renee Lecher's three hits and another home run and five RBIs from Hosler.

  • The doubleheader sweeps took place on March 23, 2026.
  • The Crimson Pride will travel to IU Southeast on Tuesday.

The players

Lexi Heafner

A key player for the Crimson Pride, Heafner led the team with six RBIs in the first game against Midway.

Carli Hosler

Hosler had a strong offensive performance, hitting a home run against Midway and driving in five runs in each of the games against Kentucky Christian.

Mallory Shelton

Shelton delivered a crucial two-run homer in the second game against Midway.

Emma Chism

Chism added a three-run home run in the second game against Midway.

Linnea Baldner

Baldner recorded four hits in the first game against Kentucky Christian, helping the Crimson Pride rally from an early deficit.

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What they’re saying

“We've been working hard in practice, and it's great to see that paying off on the field. The team is really clicking right now, and we're excited to keep this momentum going.”

— Lexi Heafner, Player

What’s next

The Crimson Pride will look to continue their winning streak when they travel to IU Southeast on Tuesday.

The takeaway

The Crimson Pride's recent offensive outbursts and resilience have been key factors in their five-game winning streak, putting them in a strong position as they look to make a push for the postseason.