RADFORD, Va. - No. 4 Charleston Southern used three first inning runs to take a 3-1 win and upset No. 2 Winthrop in an elimination game Friday afternoon at the 2009 Big South Softball Championship.

With the win, Charleston Southern improves to 25-32, while Winthrop finishes their season at 26-21.

CSU came out of gate on fire, posting three runs on three hits in the first inning. The Bucs recorded just two hits in their first tourney game vs. Gardner-Webb, but had plenty to start against the Eagles.

A two-out rally started with Megan Hall battling to reach on a walk. Gail Matsushima followed that up with a double and Hall would score on a throwing error. Jamie Wellons then helped her own cause with an RBI single to right center. The inning was capped off by another RBI extra base hit, this time by Ashley Fowler, to give CSU an early 3-0 advantage.

Wellons started in the circle for the Bucs and saved her best stuff for Winthrop. She allowed no hits in the first five innings, including three and out innings in the second, third and fifth.

Brittany Giannini roped a double off the left field fence in the top of the fifth with one out. CSU advanced her to third after a groundout, but couldn't tally another run. Wellons put another double off the fence in the next inning, but the two out rally didn't last long. Kristin Kelleher gave it her best as a pinch hitter sending the center fielder back to the warning track, but the inning ended still with a 3-0 score.

The Eagles came up with a two-out rally in the bottom of the sixth, starting when player of the year Lisa Kingsmore reached on a walk. Taylor Wright then sent out an RBI double of her own off the center field fence, giving Winthrop their first run and first hit of the day. Wright advanced to third on a passed ball, but wouldn't reach home, as CSU held onto a 3-1 advantage heading into the final inning.

Another three and out inning for Wellons gave her the win after a one hitter. With the win CSU will turnaround for a 6 p.m. rematch vs. Gardner-Webb. CSU came into the game with a 1-10 all-time record vs. Winthrop in post-season play. Also it is just the second time ever that Winthrop has lost their first two games in the Big South tournament.

Quotes
Charleston Southern Coach Shane Winkler
"New look, new attitude, new era," commented Coach Winkler. "It took 57 games, but we finally know that we can play with anyone. We had another close conference game, but the difference was this time we were able to stay in the moment and take home the win. Some of the girls were talking about now or never, but we're just concentrating on the now. We came in to today with the goal of winning five games and we will continue to work towards that."

Winthrop Coach Mark Cooke
"This was a disappointing day," said head coach Mark Cooke. "It just came down to a lack of hitting as their pitcher held us hitless for nearly six innings. It's a terrible way for our seniors to go out."