The Charleston Southern University (CSU) softball team faced two defeats on Saturday during the second day of the CSU Kickoff tournament, falling to George Mason and Marist at home.
In the first game against George Mason, the Patriots took control early with four runs in the second inning. They added another run in the third and continued to extend their lead with additional runs in the fifth and seventh innings, resulting in an 8-0 victory over Charleston Southern.
Charleston Southern’s Brenna Conley started as pitcher for two innings before Riley Lauffer entered at the start of the third. Lauffer pitched four innings, striking out three batters and allowing two runs. Mackenzie North made her season debut in the seventh inning, recording one strikeout and giving up one earned run.
On offense, CSU recorded five hits. Blakley Kingsmore stole her third base of the season, remaining perfect on stolen base attempts so far this year. Camryn Martin played first base for Charleston Southern and made six putouts during the opening contest.
In their second matchup of the day against Marist, Charleston Southern allowed a six-run second inning by their opponents. The Buccaneers scored their first run of the day in the bottom half when Charlee Yourman hit a double followed by an RBI single from Emma Smith that brought Yourman home. Marist added another run in the fourth inning and seven more in the fifth to enforce a run rule.
During CSU’s final offensive push, Emily Chandler reached first on an error at the bottom of the fifth. Sydney Spayd then hit a double, and Addison Miller singled to score Chandler. Linley Jones also contributed by reaching on a fielder’s choice that allowed Spayd to score.
Kinsey Clopton started as pitcher for 1.1 innings with three strikeouts before being relieved by Riley Lauffer who threw 2.2 innings with one strikeout while allowing one run. Gianna Deluco appeared briefly in relief during the fifth inning with one strikeout, while Mackenzie North finished out pitching duties for CSU.
Charleston Southern will return to play on Sunday morning at CSU Softball Field to conclude their opening weekend tournament with games scheduled against Siena and Marist starting at 10 a.m. and noon.
