CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The University of Charleston softball team picked up two shutout victories Thursday at the Watt Powell Annex | UC Softball Field, defeating PSAC opponents Edinboro and Shepherd to move to 4–2 on the season.
Game 1:
THE BASICS:
Location: Watt Powell Annex | UC Softball Field | Charleston, W.Va.
score: Charleston 9, Edinboro 0 (6 innings)
Records: Charleston 3–2 (0-0 MEC) | Edinboro 0–1 (0-0 PSAC)
How it Happened:
Charleston wasted no time jumping in front in the bottom of the first inning. Emily Zucchero led off with a single, followed by a double down the left-field line from Bella Polistina. Kaitlyn Moran then doubled to center field to drive in both runners. Moran later scored on a caught-stealing play to give the Golden Eagles a 3–0 lead after one.
The Golden Eagles kept Edinboro off the board through the middle innings before erupting for six runs in the bottom of the sixth to end the game via run rule. Polistina tripled to left center to open the inning, and Moran singled down the right-field line to bring her home. Taylor Hodson followed with a two-run home run to left center, extending the lead to 6–0.
Charleston continued the rally as Delaney Pici doubled to left field and later advanced to third on a wild pitch. Alyssa Espinoza drove in Pici with a sacrifice fly, and Emily Smith capped the scoring with a two-run home run to left field to secure the 9–0 victory.
Laila Varney earned the win in the circle, holding Edinboro scoreless on three hits.
Game 2:
The Basics:
Location: Watt Powell Annex | UC Softball Field | Charleston, W.Va.
Score: Charleston 1, Shepherd 0
Records: Charleston 4–2 (0-0 MEC) | Shepherd 0–1 (0-0 PSAC)
How It Happened:
Game two turned into a scoreless pitchers' duel, with both teams trading zeroes through the first five innings.
Charleston broke through in the bottom of the sixth inning. Zucchero doubled down the left-field line to start the frame, and Polistina followed with a bunt single to put runners on the corners. Moran then delivered a sacrifice fly to first base, allowing Zucchero to score the game's only run.
Shepherd threatened in the top of the fifth, loading the bases, but Charleston pitching worked out of the jam to keep the game scoreless.
Addison Mass picked up the win, tossing a complete-game shutout and limiting Shepherd to two hits.
Up Next:
Charleston continues play in the Golden Eagle Invitational on Saturday at the Watt Powell Annex | UC Softball Field, opening the day against Edinboro at 10:00 a.m. before closing the afternoon versus Shepherd at 3:00 p.m.
