PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - The University of Charleston headed south to open its 2014 campaign, picking up wins in the opening and closing days of the Sailfish Showdown in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. 

UC, which was picked fourth in the Mountain East Conference, opened its season with a 9-1 victory over Goldey-Beacom College.  Courtney Fain picked up the win, going the distance in the circle while striking out 10. In the second game of the day, Charleston dropped the night cap, 8-0, to Nova Southeastern University, managing just three hits before defensive miscues haunted the Golden Eagles.

Day two brought back-to-back loses for UC against Lynn University and Palm Beach Atlantic University, as defense again kept the Golden Eagles an arms distance away. Against Lynn, Katelyn Hamiliton went 3-3 at the plate with three RBIs, and Bethany Cera's single in the third inning put the Golden Eagles on the score board in the 7-4 loss.  In the night cap, senior Samantha Herndon led the way for UC, going 2-3 at the plate with an RBI as PBA defeated UC, 5-2. 

Sunday brought a better result for Charleston, as it defeated Merrimack College, 14-1, behind 10 hits and 13 runs batted in.  Herndon, fellow senior Hailey Tretick and sophomore Kendal LeFrancios all had multiple hits, combining to go 6-8 from the plate with eight driven in.  Fain, who moved to 2-1 on the season, picked up the win. She went five strong innings before giving away to closer Abby Nicholas.  

UC is back in action Friday, Feb. 28, as it hosts Salem International University. First pitch is set for 4p.m.