The Charleston Southern softball team concluded its participation in the SpaceU Classic on Sunday with two losses against teams recognized in national polls. The Buccaneers were defeated 7-0 by Penn State and 5-1 by UCF.
In the first game, Penn State scored its initial run in the second inning and added four more in the fourth, followed by two runs in the fifth to secure a 7-0 win. Emily Chandler recorded Charleston Southern’s first hit of the day with a single to right field during the top of the second inning. Kinsey Clopton started as pitcher for Charleston Southern, allowing one run without giving up any hits over one inning. Brenna Conley pitched five innings, striking out two batters and conceding only two earned runs.
During their second matchup, Charleston Southern took an early lead when Blakley Kingsmore singled and later scored after Charlee Yourman hit a single to right field. Kingsmore managed another hit in the third inning but did not score. Linley Jones also reached scoring position in the fifth but was left on base.
Charleston Southern loaded the bases in the sixth inning with singles from Jordyn Dimond and Emma Smith, along with a walk by Maddie Lee; however, all three runners were stranded. UCF responded quickly after falling behind, scoring twice in their half of the first inning to take control of the game. They added one run in the third and two more in the fifth to finish at 5-1.
Riley Lauffer pitched all six innings for Charleston Southern, giving up six hits.
Charleston Southern will return home to play Georgia State at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, February 25 at CSU Softball Complex.
Fans are encouraged to support Charleston Southern Athletics through membership in Buc Club.
