MT. PLEASANT, S.C. - The College of Charleston softball team defeated St. Joseph's 5-3 in the final game of the Charleston Invitational. The Cougars finished the opening weekend at Patriots Point with a 2-3 record.
Brooke Marquez accounted for the first three runs, starting with a two-run homer in the bottom of the first. The grad transfer followed up in the second with a sacrifice fly that allowed
Mia Dittoe to score.
The Hawks tied the game in the fifth inning after an RBI single in the second and a solo home run in the fourth.
Malaka Belser doubled in the sixth inning to account for her fourth RBI of the season.
Shealyn Starks followed up with a single, forcing a throwing error that allowed Belser to score.
Caroline Conner pitched the final two innings of the game, fanning two without allowing a run.
Charleston will head to Gainesville, Fla. to compete in the Bubly Invitational Feb. 16-18. The Cougars play the first game of the weekend against Georgia Southern Friday at 10:00 a.m.