Fairmont, W.Va. – The University of Charleston softball team split an MEC doubleheader against Fairmont State on Thursday afternoon at Duvall-Rosier Field. The Golden Eagles opened the day with a 3-1 victory behind a dominant outing from Addison Mass before falling 3-1 in game two.
Game 1
The Basics:
Location: Duvall-Rosier Field | Fairmont, W.Va.
Score: Charleston 3, Fairmont State 1
Records: Charleston (40-13, 22-5 MEC) | Fairmont State (34-11, 22-5 MEC)
How It Happened:
Both teams were held scoreless through the opening two innings as Addison Mass worked around early traffic in the circle while the Golden Eagles stranded a pair of runners through the first two frames.
Charleston broke through in the top of the third inning with a three run rally. Emma Smith started the inning with a single before stealing second base. Maya Hataway advanced Smith to third with a sacrifice bunt, setting up Ella Zucchero for an RBI double to center field to give UC a 1-0 lead. Bianca Polistina followed with a single before Taylor Hodson delivered a two RBI double into left center, bringing home both runners and extending the lead to 3-0. Kayla Moran added another hit in the inning and later stole second as Charleston totaled five hits in the frame.
Fairmont State answered with an unearned run in the bottom half of the inning after a Charleston error allowed a runner to score from second, trimming the deficit to 3-1. Mass worked out of further trouble by stranding two runners to end the inning.
The Golden Eagles threatened again in the fourth after Zucchero singled and advanced into scoring position on a wild pitch, while Moran doubled in the fifth inning, but Fairmont State kept Charleston off the board the remainder of the game.
Mass closed out the final four innings in dominant fashion, allowing just one hit over the stretch while striking out 11 batters in the complete game victory. She retired the Falcons in order in the seventh inning to secure the 3-1 win.
Game 2
The Basics:
Location: Duvall-Rosier Field | Fairmont, W.Va.
Score: Fairmont State 3, Charleston 1
Records: Charleston (40-14, 22-6 MEC) | Fairmont State (35-11, 23-5 MEC)
How It Happened:
Fairmont State struck first in the opening inning after an E. Paul solo home run to center field gave the Falcons a 1-0 lead.
Charleston responded in the second inning. Emma Smith led off with a double into right center and later moved to third on a groundout. Maya Hataway then delivered an RBI single to left field to score Smith and tie the game at 1-1.
The Golden Eagles had another opportunity in the third inning after Taylor Hodson singled and Kayla Moran followed with a base hit before stealing second, but Fairmont State escaped the inning without allowing a run.
The Falcons regained the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning when B. Marietta connected on a solo home run to right center to make it 2-1. Fairmont State added another run in the fifth after a double from E. Paul drove in B. Hess from second, extending the lead to 3-1.
Charleston continued to battle offensively late in the game. Maya Hataway recorded a bunt single in the sixth inning, while Bianca Polistina singled to open the seventh inning and moved into scoring position after a groundout. The Falcons were able to close out the final inning and secure the split.
Up Next:
Charleston returns home Sunday, May 3 for an MEC doubleheader against Frostburg State. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. with game two set for 4:00 p.m.
