CHARLESTON, S.C - Charleston Southern looked to improve in the Big South standings, as they hosted the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs Friday, at Buccaneer Field. The Bucs dropped a 4-1 contest in game two, but saved 10 hits for game two en route to a 7-4 win. With the split, CSU moved to 22-27 on the year with a 6-8 mark in the Big South, while GWU moved to 17-21, also holding a 6-8 conference record.

Megan Lombard continued her outstanding play this week, leading the team with three hits, two of which made it out of the park. Jamie Wellons recorded two hits, three RBIs, and three runs scored, including a two-run homerun in game two. Megan Hall also chipped in with two hits and two runs scored on the day.

The Bulldogs got going early and often in game one, scoring three runs in the first two innings. GWU used some heads-up base running to score a pair in the first. The first batter of the game reached after striking out and a wild pitch. The next batter reached on a bunt single and both runners would advance to scoring position. A double scored the runners for an early Bulldog lead. GWU added one more in the second for a 3-0 advantage after two.

The Bucs couldn't seem to find their stride at the plate, recording just three hits on the game. Ashley Fowler singled with two outs in the second, but the rally was short lived with an out following. The Bulldogs went on to tally another run in the fifth, taking a commanding 4-0 lead.

Lombard started a two out rally of her own in the bottom of the sixth, sending a solo homerun over the right field fence. Amy Trenkamp tried to keep it going with a single, but a flyout to center would bring up the final inning with the Bucs trailing 4-1.

CSU got into more trouble in the top of the seventh, putting two runners in scoring position with one outs. Caitlin Allen got out of it however, striking out the final batter to give the Bucs a chance in the bottom of the inning. CSU couldn't get anything going and a three and out inning ended the game with a final 4-1 score.

Sondra Vetter picked up the loss after five innings pitched and six strikeouts.

Game One Box

It didn't take long for the Bucs to get going in game two, with a lead-off homerun for Lombard, making it her second dinger of the day. The next three batters were retired in order, but the damage was done with an early 1-0 advantage for CSU.

Wellons got the starting not in the circle and had it working early on. She retired three straight batters in the first inning, before getting out of the second with a double play ball.

Hall started the second inning rally with a one out single, before stealing second. Wellons continued to help her own cause at the plate, this time sending a two-run shot over the left center fence, to take a 3-0 lead. The two out rally continued with a Brittany Giannini single and Lombard walk, but the Bucs couldn't manage any more in the inning.

GWU posted their first run of the game in the fourth on a solo home run, but CSU responded with a two more in the bottom of the inning. Wellons tallied her third RBI of the game with a bunt single after Hall reached earlier on a bunt of her own. Wellons went on to score after a Lombard single and Bulldog throwing error, helping the Bucs to take a 5-1 advantage.

CSU got into some trouble in the fifth, with GWU scoring three runs on four hits to cut the lead to one. Allen came in again to relieve Wellons, getting out of the inning and clinging to the lead.

Two more runs in the sixth inning for the Bucs provided some insurance and put the game away. Lisa Rice had a big pinch hit RBI single, scoring the final run of the game.

The top of the seventh inning was highlighted by a double play, before Allen closed out the game to pick up her first save of the year. Wellons took home her 11th win after four and third innings pitched and three strikeouts.

Game Two Box

CSU will finish out the three game series tomorrow at Buccaneer Field with a 1 p.m. start.