Tiffin - Columbian nearly erased a nine-run deficit in the seventh inning but came up just short in an 18-16 loss to Perkins on Wednesday in their SBC Lake Division opener.

Trailing by nine entering the final frame, the Tornadoes rallied for seven runs. Maddy Richie delivered a two-run single, Elyssia Aller drove in two runs on a groundout, Maizie Mellott added an RBI single, and Olyvia Steinmetz plated two more with a groundout to pull Columbian within striking distance.

Camryn Haman powered the Tornadoes offensively, driving in six runs while going 3-for-4 at the plate. Haman highlighted a six-run second inning with a grand slam to center field that gave Columbian a 6-3 lead.

After Columbian grabbed the lead in the second, Perkins answered in the fourth inning. Maddie Rinkes singled to center to drive in a run, and Ransom followed with a two-run homer to put Perkins back in front.

Columbian finished with 13 hits in the game. Breanna McNutt and Gabriella Conley each recorded multiple hits, while the Tornadoes showed patience at the plate with eight walks. Corinne Plott and Emma Daugherty led the team with two walks each, and Columbian also stole four bases.

Maizie Mellott started in the circle for Columbian, allowing six runs, two earned, over 3 innings while striking out four. Gabby Shock took the loss in relief.

Columbian travels to Bellevue on Friday for its next game.