Branson, Mo. — In the AMC Conference Championship on Friday afternoon, Cottey College fought to extend its postseason run but couldn't overcome an early surge from Columbia (MO), falling 5–1 at the Branson Rec-Plex.

Columbia struck quickly, plating two runs in the first inning on a two‑RBI double down the left‑field line. The Cougars added three more in the third, capitalizing on a pair of extra‑base hits and a wild pitch to build a 5–0 advantage.

From that point forward, Cottey's pitching settled in. Amelia Gassman delivered a strong relief outing, working five innings while allowing just one hit and one earned run, keeping the Comets within striking distance.

Cottey broke through in the fourth when Makayla Snyder ripped a run‑scoring double to right‑center, bringing home Gassman to make it 5–1. Snyder finished the day with two of Cottey's three hits, continuing her consistent postseason production.

Defensively, the Comets tightened up after the early innings, highlighted by clean frames in the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh. But Columbia pitcher Ella Schouten was sharp throughout, striking out nine and allowing just three hits in a complete‑game effort.

Despite the loss, Cottey showed resilience—holding Columbia scoreless over the final four innings and competing to the final out in a championship environment.

The Comets close the season with a 36–10 record, a conference championship appearance, and one of the strongest campaigns in program history. 36 wins is the most in program history since becoming an NAIA institution.