Charleston Southern University’s softball team opened the SpaceU Classic in Orlando with a 5-4 win over Notre Dame on Friday, marking their first victory against a Power 5 opponent since defeating Virginia in 2022. The Buccaneers later faced Penn State and lost 10-3 after an early lead.
In the opening game, Notre Dame took an early advantage with runs in the second and third innings. Charleston Southern responded in the fourth when Emily Chandler grounded out to bring Jordyn Dimond home. Notre Dame extended their lead to 3-1 in the bottom of the fourth.
The Buccaneers rallied in the fifth inning as Dimond hit a single that scored Cadence Walding and Maddie Lee, tying the game. Emma Smith followed with a single to center field, scoring Dimond and giving Charleston Southern their first lead. Charlee Yourman added another run with a single that brought Carsten Sandvig home, making it 5-3.
Notre Dame narrowed the gap to 5-4 in the seventh inning and had the tying run on third base with two outs, but Charleston Southern secured the win by forcing a flyout to left field.
Charleston Southern recorded nine hits during the game, led by Smith’s three hits. Dimond and Yourman each had two hits, while Dimond also scored twice and drove in two runs. Kingsmore and Dimond both stole two bases.
Riley Lauffer pitched a complete game for Charleston Southern, allowing nine hits, four walks, and four earned runs while striking out one batter over seven innings.
In their second game of the day against Penn State—who have received votes in major college softball polls—the Buccaneers took an early 3-1 lead after Kingsmore and Dimond reached base safely before Smith drove in Kingsmore. Chandler reached on an error that allowed Dimond to score, followed by Yourman’s RBI single.
Penn State regained control by scoring one run in the second inning and six more in the third. They added two additional runs in the fifth inning for a final score of 10-3.
Charleston Southern managed five hits against Penn State, with Kingsmore leading with two hits. Gianna Deluco started for Charleston Southern, pitching two innings and allowing five earned runs; Brenna Conley finished out the last five innings with four earned runs charged to her.
Charleston Southern is scheduled to play Ohio next at 9 a.m., with live coverage available on ESPN+.
