CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Charleston opened Day 1 of the UC Invitational with a 4–1 victory over Ashland on Thursday afternoon at the UC Softball Field, using an early home run and a dominant pitching performance to secure the win.

THE BASICS:
Location: UC Softball Field | Charleston, W.Va.
score: Charleston 4, Ashland 1
Records: Charleston 6-3 (0-0 MEC) | Ashland 1-4 (0-0 GMAC)

How it Happened:
Charleston struck first in the bottom of the opening inning. After Ella Zucchero reached base and moved into scoring position, Kayla Moran launched a two-run home run to center field to give the Golden Eagles an early 2–0 lead.

Ashland was held hitless through the first four innings as Charleston starter Addison. Mass controlled the circle, racking up strikeouts and limiting baserunners.

The Golden Eagles added to their lead in the third inning when Zucchero reached on an error and later scored on an RBI single from Moran, extending the advantage to 3–0.
Ashland broke through in the fifth with an unearned run following a hit-by-pitch and an error, trimming the margin to 3–1.

Charleston answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning. Bianca Polistina reached and advanced into scoring position before Taylor Hodson drove in an unearned run to restore the three-run cushion at 4–1.

Ashland threatened with a leadoff single in the seventh, but Mass closed the door, retiring the final three batters to seal the win.

Up Next:
Charleston continues play in Day 2 of the UC Invitational on Friday, facing Ashland at 10:00am. before taking on Ohio Dominican at 3:00p.m at the UC Softball Field.