Charleston, W.Va. — The University of Charleston softball team swept a Mountain East Conference doubleheader over West Virginia State on Wednesday afternoon at the UC Softball Field, taking game one 7-3 before walking off game two, 3-2, in eight innings.
Game 1
The Basics:
Location: UC Softball Field (Charleston, W.Va.)
Score: Charleston 7, West Virginia State 3
Records: Charleston 19-10 (3-2 MEC), West Virginia State 8-13 (0-5 MEC)
How It Happened:
West Virginia State jumped out early, using a two-out RBI single in the first inning to take a 1-0 lead, then adding another run in the second to go in front 2-0.
Charleston broke through in the third inning and flipped the momentum. After reaching on an error to put the Golden Eagles on the board, Charleston loaded the bases to set up Caroline Dunn, who delivered a three-RBI double to center field. Dunn's swing cleared the bases, scoring Kaleigh Serra, Danielle Pici, and Taylor Hodson to give Charleston a 4-2 lead.
The Yellow Jackets responded in the fourth with an RBI double to cut the deficit to one, but Charleston answered right back in the bottom half. Ella Zucchero reached base to start the inning, and after Taylor Hodson got on as well, Kayla Moran stepped in and drove a three-run home run to right field, extending the lead to 7-3.
From there, Charleston settled in defensively. Addison Mass worked through traffic in the middle innings, and the Golden Eagles limited West Virginia State to just one run over the final four frames, stranding runners and keeping the Yellow Jackets from mounting a comeback to secure the win.
Game 2
The Basics:
Location: UC Softball Field (Charleston, W.Va.)
Score: Charleston 3, West Virginia State 2 (8 innings)
Records: Charleston 20-10 (4-2 MEC), West Virginia State 8-14 (0-6 MEC)
How It Happened:
West Virginia State once again struck first, capitalizing in the opening inning with a two-out RBI single and later threatened with multiple baserunners, but Charleston limited the damage to one run.
The Golden Eagles were kept off the board through the first four innings, managing just one baserunner during that stretch before breaking through in the fifth. Maddie Entler reached on an error to start the inning, and after moving into scoring position, Aubriana Espinoza delivered an RBI single to left field to tie the game at 1-1. Ella Zucchero followed with a single to keep the pressure on, but Charleston left two runners on base.
West Virginia State regained the lead in the sixth inning on a solo home run, putting Charleston back behind 2-1.
Charleston responded immediately in the bottom half. Kayla Moran led off with a double to left field and moved to third on a defensive miscue. After a pitching change, Cali Masters came through with an RBI single to center field, scoring Moran to even the game at 2-2.
Both teams were held in check in the seventh inning, with Charleston's defense turning away a late push to force extras.
In the eighth, Addison Mass entered and worked around a leadoff single, retiring the next three batters to keep the game tied.
Charleston then capitalized in the bottom half. Moran once again sparked the offense with a leadoff double and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Danielle Pici. With one out, Caroline Dunn lifted a sacrifice fly to left field, bringing Moran home for the walk-off run and completing the sweep.
Up Next
Charleston returns to action Saturday, March 28 against Wheeling University at the UC Softball Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. with game two to follow at 3:00 p.m.
