CHARLESTON, W. Va. – The University of Charleston softball team opened the 2021 season with victories 9-1, and 7-1 over Kentucky State University on Thursday afternoon at the University of Charleston Softball Complex. Danielle Bauer logged 6.0 innings in her Opening Day start, while Mahealani Haegele (4.0 inn.) and Morgan Hoppe (3.0 inn.) rounded out the pitching for game two. The Golden Eagles were lead by 12 strikeouts from Bauer, and 27 hits overall for both games.

Game 1 Information

Charleston 9, Kentucky State 1
Records: Charleston (3-1), Kentucky State (0-2)
Location: University of Charleston Softball Complex (Charleston, W. Va.)
W|L|S: Danielle Bauer (2-1) | Mckenna James (0-1) | None

Game 2 Information

Charleston 7, Kentucky State 1
Records: Charleston (3-1), Kentucky State (0-2)
Location: University of Charleston Softball Complex (Charleston, W. Va.)
W|L|S: Mahealani Haegele (1-0) | Kendall Collier (0-1) | None

Key Moments

Game 1:

• After being tied 1-1, Bauer went on two strike out seven of the last nine batters of the contest.

• Charleston used a two-run 4th inning, capped off by a sacrifice fly from Kaylee Hotchkiss to bring in their fifth run.

How it Happened

• Both starters were dominant on Thursday to begin the contest, as Bauer tossed 6.0 innings, allowing just one run on one hit. James getting her first collegiate start threw 5.2 innings with nine hits allowed and seven earned runs. 

• The bats for the Golden Eagles came alive in the third inning recording three hits and scoring two runs.

• Charleston scored six runs between the 3rd and 4th innings, with the Golden Eagles just shy of ending the game in the fifth.

Stats

• Charleston finished with 16 hits and didn't commit an error. 

• The Maroon and Gold also stole four total bases. 

• Bauer had 12 strikeouts, and only walked one batter.

• Brionna Bowman went 2-3 with one walk and one RBI

• Ann-Judie Martin and Mackenzie Brown both ended the game with 2 RBI's.

Notes and Notables

• The Golden Eagles played their first game at home in 682 days.

Key Moments

Game 2

• In a one run ball game, the Golden Eagles were able to record five runs on five hits to make the game 7-1.

• Hoppe came in and pitched three innings giving up no runs and only allowing two hits.
   

How it Happened

• Both starters were strong out of the gate as it was 0-0 going into the third inning. Haegele pitching 4.0 and Collier pitching 6.0 in her first collegiate start.

• Charleston used a five run fourth inning to push the game to 7-1.
   

Stats

• Charleston tallied 11 hits and had only one error.

• The Golden Eagles had four different players steal a base.

• Neither of the two pitchers in game two walked a batter.

• Gracie Donato went 3-4 with two RBI's and one run scored.
   

Notes and Notables

• The Golden Eagles start the season 3-1.

Up Next:

The Golden Eagles will stay at home, where they will take on the Oilers from University of Findlay on Saturday, March 6th at 2 and 4 P.M.