Paxton Welch got the Columbia College softball team off to a rousing start in the NAIA Tournament, hurling the third perfect game of her career in an 8-0 opening-round victory over the University of the Cumberlands on Monday at the Antimi Sports Complex.
Welch (20-4) struck out five while facing the minimum of 15 in the game shortened to five innings by run rule. It was also Welch's eighth complete-game shutout of the season.
Offensively, the Cougars (44-5) were paced by Carly Spalding, who finished 2-for-3 with a triple and two runs scored, and Olivia Denslow (2-for-2 with an RBI).