KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Just four short years ago, Columbia International (CIU) softball was a program without a field; today, the Rams played for a national championship. CIU took part in their first-ever National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) World Series title game Thursday as the Rams fell to Southwestern Assemblies of God (Texas.) 7-4. Just reaching the championship is a notable feat due to the young nature of the program as head coach Sara Allen started the team back in 2018. The Rams finish the entirety of the World Series going 4-2 as they went 2-1 during pool play and then rolled Trinity Baptist (Fla.) 14-1 in the World Series semifinals. 
IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:
The Rams held the 3-0 lead thanks to pitcher Mary Esterak and CIU's defensive unit until SAGU put up two runs in the fourth and one in the fifth to tie the game. However, the tide turned in the bottom of the sixth as the Lions rattled off four runs to go up 7-3 against CIU pitching relievers. On the mound, Mary Esterak kept CIU competitive for the duration of her appearance, allowing just two earned runs while facing 24 batters. The Rams finish the season with the most wins in program history as they end the year!