GLASSBORO, N.J. – The Colby College softball team fell to Rowan University, 1-0, in the first game of the best-of-three Super Regional seriess on Thursday at Rowan Softball Field.

In a tightly contested pitchers' duel, sophomore Sophia Meade (14-4) kept the powerful Rowan (41-9) lineup in check throughout the afternoon. Meade struck out seven batters and allowed just one unearned run over 6.1 innings.

Colby (30-13) threatened on several occasions but were unable to break through against Rowan pitcher Emily McCutcheon (21-5), who tossed a three-hit shutout. Senior Carissa Cassidy, sophomore Avery Lyman, and senior Kathryne Clay each recorded a hit for the Mules.

The Mules' best early scoring chance came in the third inning when Cassidy singled and stole second before advancing to third on a sacrifice bunt by senior Emma Burnham. Rowan escaped the inning with the game still scoreless.

Colby threatened again in the fifth after Clay singled and moved into scoring position, but Rowan once again worked out of trouble to preserve the deadlock.

After six scoreless innings, Rowan broke through in the bottom of the seventh. Gia DiMeglio reached second on a stolen base and later scored when Zara MacNair reached on a throwing error, giving Rowan the walk-off victory.

Colby will return action on Friday at 1 p.m. for Game 2. The Mules will need to defeat the Profs twice on Friday to earn the program's first-ever trip to the NCAA Division III Softball College World Series in Salem, Virginia.