Cougars Show Resilience and Firepower in Dugout Classic
The Cougars Softball team showcased a potent offensive attack, tallying 18 runs across five games
The College of Charleston softball team took a trip to Tallahassee, Florida, this past weekend for the Dugout Classic, facing off against Mercer, Florida Gulf Coast (FGCU), and No. 8 Florida State. While the Cougars finished with a 2-3 record, they showcased a potent offensive attack, tallying 18 runs across five games. Here’s a breakdown of their action-packed weekend on the diamond.
Game 1: Mercer 4, Charleston 1
The Cougars opened the weekend with a hard-fought 4-1 loss to Mercer. Despite the setback, Charleston’s pitching staff delivered a strong performance. Mackenzie Mathis was a bright spot, tossing three hitless innings while recording three strikeouts. Lily Thorpe followed with 2.2 shutout innings in relief, keeping the game within reach. However, the offense struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, leaving Charleston just short in the opener.
Game 2: Charleston 8, Florida Gulf Coast 6
Charleston bounced back in dramatic fashion, rallying from a 6-1 deficit to defeat FGCU 8-6. The Cougars' bats came alive in the sixth inning, ignited by clutch singles from Julia Sitterding, Jay Wrightsman, and Karly Smith. Bricelyn Bedenbaugh and Kaitlyn Smith followed with key RBIs, trimming the deficit to three. The comeback continued with an RBI double from Kennedy Rhue and a game-tying single from Karlee Hughes. Then, in the seventh, Sitterding led off with a single, setting the stage for Wrightsman’s walk-off home run to complete the thrilling comeback. Charleston racked up 10 hits, and Campbell Schaen secured her first career win in a game that epitomized the team’s never-say-die attitude.
Game 3: FGCU 2, Charleston 0
Saturday brought a defensive showdown, but the Cougars fell 2-0 in a rematch against FGCU. Mathis turned in another stellar performance, striking out seven and allowing just two hits while retiring 12 consecutive batters at one point. Unfortunately, Charleston’s offense couldn’t find its rhythm, leaving Mathis with a tough-luck loss in an otherwise dominant outing.
Game 4: No. 8 Florida State 8, Charleston 0 (5 Innings)
In their toughest test of the weekend, the Cougars faced national powerhouse Florida State and fell 8-0 in five innings. The Seminoles flexed their muscle early, and Charleston couldn’t mount a response. While the outcome was lopsided, the Cougars showed flashes of competitive play against an elite opponent, gaining valuable experience that could pay off down the road.
Game 5: Charleston 9, Mercer 1
The Cougars closed out the tournament with an emphatic 9-1 win over Mercer, fueled by their most explosive offensive showing of the season. Charleston pounded out 14 hits, led by Austy Miller’s four-hit performance, which included a towering home run in the sixth inning. Sitterding added three hits and two RBIs, helping the Cougars jump out to an early 3-0 lead before piling on six more runs to seal the win. On the mound, Ryley Kutter was in complete control, allowing just three hits in a dominant complete-game victory.
Weekend Takeaways & What’s Next
Though they finished 2-3, the Cougars flashed plenty of promise on both sides of the ball. Mathis continued to prove herself as a workhorse in the circle, while Kutter and Schaen stepped up with key performances. Offensively, Miller, Wrightsman, and Sitterding led the charge, highlighting the depth of Charleston’s lineup.
The Cougars' ability to rally against FGCU and dominate Mercer showcased their resilience and potential. With their bats heating up and their pitching staff finding its groove, Charleston is primed for success in the coming weeks.
Up next, the Cougars travel to Spartanburg for two big matchups—USC Upstate on March 4 and Wofford on March 5. With momentum from their decisive win over Mercer, Charleston looks poised to build on their success and continue making noise. Keep an eye on this team—they have the talent and determination to compete with the best.
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