Photo Credit: Addison Jones
Columbia, SC - The Allen University softball team opened its season at home Tuesday night against a battle-tested Columbia International squad that entered the matchup already 10 games into its season, and while the Yellow Jackets dropped both contests, the box scores revealed a team competing with grit, flashes of execution, and plenty of early-season promise.

In Game One, Allen fell 7–3 but showed encouraging offensive production with seven hits against a seasoned pitching staff. Elissa Rich led the charge offensively, finishing 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored while also going the distance in the circle, tossing all seven innings and striking out three. Destiny Breton added an RBI knock, while Kanitria Antenor contributed another run-producing hit. Tylar Crawford paced the lineup with two hits, and Yazmyn Pryor sparked action on the bases with two stolen bags as Allen applied pressure throughout the game.

Defensively, the Yellow Jackets remained steady, committing no errors while turning in several clean innings behind Rich, a sign of early chemistry for a group still settling into game rhythm.

Game Two presented a tougher test as Columbia International capitalized on momentum and experience for a 13–2 decision, but even in the loss, Allen displayed encouraging individual performances. Khia Crisler delivered a strong outing at the plate, going 2-for-2 with an RBI, while Destiny Breton again produced offensively with a hit and a run scored. Tylar Crawford and Yazmyn Pryor also collected hits, continuing to show consistency across the lineup.

In the circle, Allen utilized multiple arms to navigate the contest, gaining valuable early-season reps that will pay dividends as the pitching staff develops depth and rhythm moving forward.

Though the scoreboard didn't tilt in their favor, the Yellow Jackets showed signs of a team building identity—applying pressure on the bases, generating timely hits, and demonstrating defensive discipline. Facing an opponent already deep into its schedule provided an immediate measuring stick, and Allen answered with competitiveness and flashes that point toward growth as the season unfolds.

Opening day may not have produced the results Allen hoped for, but it revealed something just as important: a resilient squad laying the foundation for a season that promises development, momentum, and plenty of opportunities for this group to rise as SIAC play is up next.