CHARLESTON, S.C. - Charleston Southern opened up the Buccaneer Invite with some exciting softball, splitting with a 4-3 win vs. the Norfolk State Spartand and a 2-1 loss vs. the Campbell Camels Friday, at Buccaneer Field. All three games played on Friday were decided by one run, with the Camels coming back in the 7th inning over NSU for a 4-3 win. CSU also had a dramatic comeback of their own, coming away with an 8 inning victory over the Spartans in their first extra inning game of the year. With the split, CSU moves to 6-8 on the year with a 4-1 mark at home.

In game one, CSU was in a standoff in the first three innings. Gail Matsushima had a lead-off double in the second inning, but she would only advance to third base before three out were recorded. The Bucs had no runs, four hits, and four left on base through four innings.

Sophomore pitcher Sondra Vetter kept the back in the game while the bats were hitting. Vetter had three scoreless innings, including striking out the side in the second and combining for 5 strikeout in the second and third inning. Some damage came in the top of the fourth after a lead-off walk was followed up with a homerun. NSU took a 2-0 lead, despite just two hits in the game.

The Bucs kept their comeback hopes alive with a big bottom of the sixth, posting two run after three hits. Matsushima and Jamie Wellons each singled to start the inning and a 2 RBI single from Ashley Fowler tied the game up at 2 apiece.

Vetter recorded her 9th strikeout of the game to start the top of the seventh, en route to a three and out inning. CSU couldn't get anything going in the bottom of the seventh, sending the game into extra innings.

NSU managed a run in the top of the eighth after a Buccaneer error. CSU managed to get out of the inning with minimal damage, setting the stage for the home team. Megan Hall started off by laying down a bunt single, giving the Bucs a first and third situation with no outs. After failed attempts at the plate for CSU, York came up with an RBI single that tied the game and Hall managed to end the game 4-3, by advancing home on the throw.

Vetter finished a complete game, taking home the win and striking out nine. She also allowed just four hits and two earned runs in the game.

Game 1 Box

In the second game vs. Campbell, the Camels wasted no time getting on the board. Campbell lead of with a single, before a walk and two players hit by a pitch. CSU got out of the inning, allowing just one run and stranding three on base.

The Bucs were held scoreless in the first three inning, stranding two in the first, but failing to record a hit. CSU got going in the fourth with a lead-off single from Hall. Matsushima came right back with a double, and Hall scored after some heads-up base running. The Bucs couldn't manage any more runs after a runner on second an no outs, but did tie the score at 1-1.

Wellons responded nicely after the first inning, striking out two and throwing four innings with no runs. The Camels again managed a run in the top of the sixth, but CSU prevented any from coming in, stranding thee more on base.

The Bucs had two innings to work with, but couldn't manage a hit in the final six outs. Campbell had two three-and-out innings in a row, before taking home a 2-1 win.

Wellons pitched a complete game, picking up the loss after striking out three and stranding 12 on base for the game.

Game 2 Box

CSU will play both teams again tomorrow in reverse order. First up is Campbell at 11 a.m. before the conclusion of the Buc Invite at 3 p.m. vs. Norfolk State.

Buc Invite Schedule