Stephens College battled back late but came up just short in a 3-2 loss to Columbia (Mo.) on Friday afternoon.

Columbia got on the board early with a run in the first inning and added another in the sixth to take a 2-0 lead. Stephens pitcher Katie Dennis kept things under control in the circle, going the distance and allowing just six hits while inducing 16 groundouts.

The Stars found their breakthrough in the bottom of the sixth. After AJ Thurston reached on a walk and Mylee Hawkins entered as a pinch runner, Kyndal Vincent delivered a single to put two runners on. Landry Bales followed with a clutch two-RBI single to right field, tying the game at 2-2.

Columbia responded in the top of the seventh, using a triple and a Stephens error to plate the go-ahead run and reclaim a 3-2 advantage.

Stephens was unable to answer in the bottom half, as Columbia pitcher Ella Schouten closed out the game. The Stars were limited to four hits on the day, with Vincent, Addison Flores, Bales, and Leanna Mitts each recording one.

Game Two: Stars. 2, Cougars 3

Stephens College put together a strong offensive showing but couldn't complete the comeback, falling 3-2 to Columbia (Mo.) in the second game of Friday's doubleheader.

Columbia struck first with a two-run second inning and added another in the third to build a 3-0 lead. Stephens pitcher Elise Kendrick settled in after that, going the distance while allowing just four hits and keeping the Stars within reach.

Stephens responded in the third inning when Celeste Athon singled and later scored on an RBI single from Kendrick to cut the deficit to 3-1. The Stars continued to apply pressure throughout the game, finishing with nine hits on the afternoon.

In the sixth, Stephens pulled within one. Landry Bales reached and eventually came around to score, and Skylar Jacobs delivered an RBI single to make it a 3-2 game heading into the final inning.

Stephens threatened again in the seventh after Kyndal Vincent led off with a single and moved into scoring position, but Columbia was able to record the final outs and hold on for the win.

Athon and Abby Schmidt each recorded two hits to lead the Stars, while Kendrick and Jacobs each drove in a run. Stephens will look to build on the offensive momentum moving forward.