CHARLESTON, SC - The Charleston Southern softball team opened conference play against Gardner-Webb on Friday afternoon, falling to the Runnin' Bulldogs 6-4.

Blakley Kingsmore walked in the top of the first but she was left stranded.

The Bucs jumped out to an early lead in the second inning. Carsten Sandvig singled to left field before Maddie Lee reached on a fielder's choice. Sandvig advanced to second on a throwing error that then allowed her to score. Linley Jones singled through the left side to bring Lee home. Jones then advanced to second on a wild pitch. Kingsmore drew another walk, and a base hit from Jordyn Dimond brought Jones in to score, giving the Bucs a 3-0 advantage. 

Harper Schoeneweis extended the lead in the third inning with her first home run of the season.

In the fourth, Emma Villaescusa singled to second base, but was later caught stealing. Gardner-Webb cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the inning, making it 4-2.

Dimond recorded another base hit in the fifth but was thrown out at home. The Runnin' Bulldogs tied the game at 4-4 in the bottom of the fifth.

In the sixth inning, Maddie Lee singled down the left field line, but the Bucs were unable to bring her home. Gardner-Webb then took the lead in the bottom of the sixth, with a 6-4 advantage.

Riley Lauffer threw all six innings for the Bucs allowing six runs with one strikeout. 

UP NEXT
The Buccaneers will return to action tomorrow for a doubleheader against Gardner-Webb. First pitch of game one is scheduled for 12:00 p.m., with game to to follow at 2:00 p.m.

SUPPORT THE BUCCANEERS
Fans can support Chalreston Southern Athletics through the Buc Club