Salem, Va. - Charleston takes down Frostburg 5-2, but falls to Wesleyan 8-0 and West Liberty 5-0 to conclude their season.
The Basics:
Location: Moyer Sports Complex
Scores: G1: UC 5, FSU 2. G2: UC 0, WVWC 8. G3: UC 0, WLU 5.
How it Happened:
Game One
The Golden Eagles (28-21) opened the MEC tournament with a solid 5-2 victory over Frostburg (27-17). After falling behind early 1-0, UC rallied back with a two-run third inning and a three insurance runs in the sixth to ice the victory.
Morgan Hoppe (11-9) was in control of the game throughout. She struck out eight, allowed one earned run, and scattered six hits for the complete game victory.
The UC offense was powered by MEC Player of the Year Hannah Rose as she was a perfect 3-3 with a double and scored two runs. Brionna Bowman also collected two hits including an RBI double. Kendal Marshall added a two-run single late in the game.
Game Two
The Golden Eagles struggled in game two on multiple fronts as they fell to Wesleyan 8-0. Dani Bauer (15-11) suffered the loss in the circle for UC.
Game Three
The Golden Eagles (28-22) end their 2022 season in the second round of the MEC tournament after dropping a 5-0 decision to the Hilltoppers (35-20-1).
Down 2-0 in the sixth inning, UC threatened to tie up the ball game. Hannah Rose led off the inning with a double, and Allysa Lake legged out an infield single to put runners at the corners. On the next pitch, pinch runner Bekah Woody stole second base to put the tying run in second with one out. However, the next two batters were retired to end the threat.
Dani Bauer (15-12) suffered the loss as she allowed two runs in 2.1 innings of work. She struck out five.
The second-round finish in the MEC tournament is the farthest the team had progressed since 2017. The 2022 season for Charleston will also leave indelible marks in the UC Softball record book, being highlighted by Hannah Rose being named UC's first-ever MEC Player of the Year. The Golden Eagles also saw two players recognized as NFCA National Player of the Week for the first time in program history when Hannah Rose and Emma Groe were selected in back-to-back weeks this season. Charleston also saw Dani Bauer toss a perfect game this season, which has not been accomplished since 2015. UC looks to build from these fine accomplishments heading into the offseason and in preparation for the 2023 softball season.
