Smith Pitches One Hitter to Lead Cougars to SoCon Win Over Lady Paladins

Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Natalie Smith pitched a one-hitter and Leshe Russell hit a two-run home run to lead the College of Charleston softball team to a 3-0 win against Furman in Southern Conference action at Patriots Point.

The Cougars improve to 31-15 on the season and 7-2 in the Southern Conference while Furman falls to 9-35 and 4-5. Charleston took all three games in the weekend series at Patriots Point.

Smith struck out five and gave up only one hit in a seven inning complete game to improve to 11-4 on the season. Kristy Goodrich gave up only five hits but falls to 2-9 on the season.

Neither team could get a hit until Russell hit a laser home run in the bottom of the fifth inning over the left field wall which also plated Darcy Johnson who was hit by a pitch. Shannan Edwards drove in the other Cougar run in the top of the sixth knocking in Brittany Pohlen.

Smiths bid for a no-hitter was broken up by Kristin White in the top of the sixth with a hit down the left field line.

The Cougars host Charleston Southern in a non-conference double-header on Tuesday at 5:00 at Patriots Point. The Paladins also host the Buccaneers this week on Thursday at 3:00 in Greenville, S.C.