RADFORD, VA - The Charleston Southern softball team claimed their first series victory in Big South play this season, splitting a doubleheader with the Radford Highlanders.
The Bucs (13-18, 3-5 in conference) were shut out in the first game, losing by a score of 6-0, but came back in the second game with a 4-1 victory behind a 3 for 3 day for
Weslin Jones and another complete-game performance from
Annah Junge.Â
Game One
The Highlanders (10-20, 1-5 in conference) came out firing in game one, scoring three runs in the first two innings. All three runs came via the long ball, as they took a 3-0 lead.
Riley Lauffer held Radford quiet until the bottom of the sixth inning, when the Highlanders scored three more on a two-RBI triple, followed by an RBI single.Â
Lauffer went the distance, throwing 6.0 innings, allowing 6 runs on 7 hits, 3 walks and a strikeout.She fell to 1-13 on the season.Â
Lexi Markle had another strong game at the plate, going 2 for 3. The Bucs left seven runners on base.Â
Game Two
The rubber game of this three-game series went the Bucs way, and it started in the second inning. Down 1-0,
Gracie Prince reached on a throwing error and advanced to second on the play. Two batters later,
Madelyne Lee continued her outstanding weekend at the plate, hitting a double into center field to tie the game. Then, Jones knocked her in with an RBI single; one of three hits for her in the game.Â
The Bucs got some insurance in the top of the sixth inning. Ahead 2-1,
Raleigh Lewis hit a single into right field, but Markle was thrown out at second. With two outs,
Harper Schoeneweis made it 4-1 with her first home run of the season. It was the second home run for the Bucs on the weekend.Â
Junge picked up the win, improving her record to 12-5. She pitched another complete game, allowing 1 run on 7 hits while striking out 3 and not walking a batter.Â
Lee finished the week 4 for 9 with a home run and a double, raising her average by .25 points to .257. Markle finished the weekend 5 for 9 with two walks.Â
On Deck
The Bucs begin a five-game homestand this week, starting with a doubleheader against The College of Charleston on Wednesday. The first game will begin at 5 p.m. and both games will be streamed on ESPN+