RADFORD, Va. – Charleston Southern softball dropped a 5-2 decision at Radford Friday in the Big South softball series opener. It was a back-and-forth game early until the Highlanders broke open the scoring late.

EARLY LEAD FOR RU BUILDS MOMENTUM
Radford (15-26, 8-14 Big South) needed just the leadoff batter to take the initial advantage, as Cori McMillan hit a leadoff home run down the left-field line, just clearing the fence, for a 1-0 edge. The Highlanders added another score in the bottom of the second, as again the leadoff hitter, Rachel Smith, reached on an infield single. She eventually found herself standing on third following a sacrifice bunt and then wild pitch. Another sacrifice bunt, this time off the bat of Tori Boyd, brought her home.

BUCS GET THEIR RUNS IN CONSECUTIVE INNINGS
The Buccaneers kept pace with their league counterparts early, scoring once each in the second and third innings. In the second, Weslin Jones laid down a two-out bunt to reach. She then raced all the way around the base paths to score on a Taylor Gleason double off the top of the right-field wall, providing the initial 1-1 tie.

In the third, it was Rhiana Hubbard's turn to reach on a leadoff single. She moved up 60 feet on another single, this time by Lilly Bishop before a SeaEnna Satcher double over the leftfielder's head plated Hubbard another tying score, 2-2.

LATE SCORING THE DIFFERENCE
Charleston Southern (21-25, 7-12 Big South) starter Annah Junge worked her way through the RU lineup until McMillian sparked a two-out rally in the bottom of the fifth. She reached on a single then scored as the next batter, Abby Wilson ripped a double to right field for what proved to be the game-winning run.

The Highlanders were back at it in their half of the sixth when Cassi Barbato found fair territory on a single down the right-field line with one out. Smith followed with a two-run home run, growing the cushion to the final outcome before Junge retired the final-two batters of the frame.

EVEN IN HITS
Despite the difference in the run column, the Bucs kept pace as each squad finished with nine hits. Eight different CSU players had at least one hit and Madison Koger ended the contest with two for the only multi-hit performance.

TWO MORE SATURDAY
The two schools are set to square off in a doubleheader Saturday beginning at Noon to close the series. Inclement weather is in the forecast and may adjust the start times. Stay tuned to the Charleston Southern twitter account for the latest updates.