VIERA, Fla. — The University of Charleston softball team split a pair of games Wednesday at the Space Coast Spring Games, falling to Findlay in the opener before responding with a 4–0 shutout victory over Saginaw Valley.
Game 1
The Basics:
Location: Viera, Fla.
Score: Findlay 5, Charleston 2
Records: Charleston 8–7 (0–0 MEC), Findlay 9–1 (0-0 G-MAC)
How It Happened:
Charleston took an early lead in the first inning when Ella Zucchero tripled down the right field line. Taylor Hodson followed with a two-run home run to right field, giving the Golden Eagles a 2–0 advantage.
Findlay answered in the fourth inning. A double and a single put runners on before a two-run double tied the game at 2–2. Later in the inning, Findlay moved in front after a bunt single and a Charleston fielding error allowed the go-ahead run to score, making it 3–2.
Findlay added two more runs in the fifth inning with another extra-base hit to extend the lead to 5–2. Charleston was unable to generate another scoring opportunity the rest of the way.
Game 2
The Basics:
Location: Viera, Fla.
Score: Charleston 4, Saginaw Valley 0
Records: Charleston 9–7 (0–0 MEC), Saginaw Valley 6–5 (0-0 GLIAC)
How It Happened:
Charleston broke through in the third inning when Maya Hataway reached on an error and advanced to second. Ella Zucchero followed with a single to right field to move Hataway to third before Bianca Polistina grounded out to second base, bringing home Hataway to give the Golden Eagles a 1–0 lead.
The Golden Eagles added three runs in the seventh inning. Aubriana Espinoza reached on an error and advanced to second before Hataway laid down a bunt single to move her to third and then stole second to put two runners in scoring position. Emma Smith followed with an RBI single to score Espinoza and extend the lead to 2–0.
Hataway later scored on a wild pitch before Zucchero added another run with an RBI groundout to make it 4–0.
Up Next:
Charleston continues play at the Space Coast Spring Games Thursday 6th in Viera, Fla., facing Winona State at 10:00 a.m. before taking on St. Cloud State at 12:15 p.m.