CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charleston Southern's Zack Hagaman and Nate Blanchard each had three hits and two RBI to lead a 17-hit Buccaneer effort, as CSU completed a series sweep of Villanova with an 8-4 win on Sunday afternoon at CSU Ballpark.

The Bucs improve to 3-0 for the first time under head coach Stuart Lake. Villanova falls to 0-3.

Six Buccaneers had multiple hits in the win as CSU outhit Villanova 17-11. After allowing only one run in 18 innings on Saturday, the Bucs finished the weekend sweep with their bats, leaving Lake excited about his team's versatility.

"We couldn't have asked for more from the weekend," Lake said of his team's 3-0 start. "I got a little nervous when they got two on in the ninth, but it was good to get Denis (Buckley) in there to end it. I thought we were very good this weekend pitching and defense-wise, and it was good to see our bats come around today."

CSU raced to a 7-0 through three innings with six runs in the third, but Villanova chipped away and moved the tying run into the on-deck circle with two walks in the ninth. Junior Denis Buckley came on to record a game-ending strikeout and pick up the save. It was his first appearance since 2012 after recovering from an injury forced him to miss last season.

Designated hitter Zach Hagaman sparked the Bucs' offense with a two-run single in the third, part of the Bucs' six-run inning. He followed with a triple in the fourth, coming across on a Sam Remick single to cap CSU's scoring. Freshman second baseman Nate Blanchard added a two-run single in the third and was 3-for-5 on the day.

Starter Andrew Tomasovich (WP, 1-0) held the Wildcats to one run through five innings of work, but saw Villanova cut into the the lead with five hits and three runs in the sixth. Junior Kyle McDorman came on to induce a one-pitch double play to get the Bucs out of the jam. McDorman worked 3 1/3 scoreless innings in his first career appearance.

Third baseman Todd Czinege was 3-for-4 on Sunday with a triple to lead Villanova. Starter J.B. Cole (LP, 0-1) took the loss allowing eight hits and five runs in two innings.

The Buccaneer offense stranded 10 runners on the day, but Alex Tomasovich stayed productive with runners in scoring position. He was 2-for-5 on the day with two RBI. He had four RBI on the weekend after driving in half of the Bucs' runs on Saturday.

Bobby Ison, Brian Welch, and Sam Remick – all upperclassmen – each had two hits for the Bucs on Sunday, capping an impressive opening weekend for the Bucs' veterans.

"I was excited about what all of our veterans gave us this weekend," Lake added. "Welch, after not playing on Saturday, came in and gave us two hits today. I think we looked mature this weekend and our preparation has really paid off. We just have to keep working hard and stay focused."

The Buccaneers travel to College of Charleston for a 4 p.m. first pitch on Wednesday at Patriots Point, before hosting Siena next Saturday and Sunday in a three-game series.

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