BUIES, N.C. - Charleston Southern Softball traveled to the Camel Stampede Tourney Friday, splitting the first two games at the Eakes Athletic Complex. The Buccaneers dropped a 3-2 contest in the opener vs. Ohio, before bouncing back with a convincing 9-1 win over Bucknell. CSU moved to 4-1, while Ohio improved to 3-3 and Bucknell dropped to 0-1 on the young season.

In game one vs. Ohio, CSU came back to take a 2-1 advantage in the bottom of the fifth, but couldn't hold on as the Bobcats rallied for two more in the sixth. Megan Lombard continued her outstanding play as a freshman, leading the team with 2 hits and 2 RBIs. Jamie Wellons picked up her first loss of the year in six innings of work.

The Bobcats got off to a quick start, scoring one in the first after a walk and two hits. Wellons recovered nicely, retiring the next two batters and leaving three on base. Three scoreless innings followed for both teams, with CSU struggling to get their bats going, recording just one hit in the first four innings.

Brittany York stepped up in a big way, providing a lead-off double in the bottom of the fifth. Kirsten Kelleher would also single to get on base, before Lombard sent two home, giving the Bucs a 2-1 advantage.

Unfortunately the lead did not last long, as Ohio responded immediately with two runs in the top of the sixth, after four hits in the inning. CSU had lead-off hits in both the sixth and seventh inning, including a lead-off triple from Megan Hall in the bottom of the sixth. The Bucs couldn't take advantage of either occasion and suffered their first loss of the year, 2-3.

Game 1 Box

CSU turned things around for the better in game two, with 8 hits and 9 runs en route to a 9-1 win in five innings over the Bucknell Bison. Sondra Vetter improved to 2-0 on the year after allowing just one run and 3 hits for the game.

The Bucs scored in all five innings, starting with 2 in the first. Lombard and Amy Trenkamp got on base after a single and walk, respectively. Wellons then ripped a triple to right center and picked up two RBIs in the process. After a three and out top of the second, Lombard reached on a single and had a stolen base for the second consecutive inning. She would later score after a Trenkamp single, to give CSU a 3-0 lead.

The Bison managed one run in the third, only to be met with one more by the Bucs. CSU had a big fourth inning, taking advantage of some Bucknell miscues. A pair of batters reached after being hit by a pitch, which led to Brittany Giannini scoring on a passed ball. York provided the only hit of the inning, but it was a big one that helped Hall and Trenkamp score.

The Bucs decided to end things in five after another 2 hits and 2 runs in the fifth and final inning. After reaching on an error, Lombard stole second and third, until Wellons sent home her third RBI of the game. Gail Matsushima put the game out of reach with a walk-off single that gave CSU a 9-1 lead and the win.

Game 2 Box

So far in the tournament, Lomabard is pacing the offense with 4 hits, 3 runs, and 2 RBIs. Three other players have 2 hits including Wellons and York, who have 3 and 2 RBIs, respectively.

The Bucs still have some work to do tonight, as they play St. Joseph's in an 8 p.m. contest. CSU will finish up the tournament playing the host team tomorrow at 12:30 pm.