LIVINGSTON, Ala. - West Alabama struggled to generate offense in its 2025 season opener, falling 7-0 to Columbus State on Friday evening at Tartt Field.

The Cougars took control early, scoring in the first inning before a five-run third put the game out of reach. The Tigers managed just three hits against a dominant Columbus State pitching staff led by Trace Goforth, who struck out seven in five shutout innings.  

Bryant Quimby took the loss for West Alabama, surrendering five runs on four hits in 2.2 innings of work. The Cougars capitalized in the third inning with RBI hits from Bryce Knox, Michael Cruz, and Warrick Wilmot, whose bases-clearing double made it a 6-0 game. Columbus State added an insurance run in the fourth on a Cayden Evans double, but the Tigers' bullpen, featuring Maxwell Schumacher, Ryan Ladner, and Cade Miller, held the visitors scoreless the rest of the way.  

Offensively, Colson Thompson led West Alabama with two of the team's three hits, while Jake Goolsby added the other. The Tigers had a few chances to get on the board but couldn't break through, leaving seven runners stranded. Bryce Newman and Nick Thibodeau both reached base but were unable to advance past second. Columbus State's bullpen backed up Goforth's strong start, with Trenton Burnett and Joey Gill combining for four shutout innings while allowing just two hits.  

West Alabama (0-1) will look to bounce back on Saturday, February 1st, when they take on Columbus State (1-0) again at 2 p.m. at Tartt Field.