March 8, 2002

Box Score

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte 49ers softball team clubbed a school record four home runs to defeat Charleston Southern, 7-2, on the first day of the 49ers Invitational. The tourney continues Saturday before wrapping up on Sunday.

Leah Heston, Stephanie Dunlap, Kristin White and Melanie Thevenote each knocked one out for Charlotte (10-6) in the win. The previous record was three, set against Virginia in 1990. Thevenote's dinger came as a pinch hitter in the sixth.

The 49ers got on the board first, plating two in the bottom of the first on Heston's two-run homer that also drove in Dunlap. Charleston Southern (7-16) answered in the top of the third, tying the game at 2-2 after Heston bobbled a Kelly Backert line drive. Dunlap put the Niners back in front with a solo blast in the fifth. Charlotte put the game out of reach in the sixth, when White and Thevenote both homered.

Betsy Thompson upped her record to 5-2, striking out five in seven innings. Dana Jacobs took the loss, falling to 3-10 on the season.

Charlotte plays two on Saturday. The 49ers take on Radford at 11:00 and Stony Brook at 1:30. All of this weekend's games will be played at the Phillips Sports Complex. Admission is free.

Friday's Scores
Stony Brook 7, Radford 0
Tulsa 10, Radford 3
Tulsa 3, Stony Brook 0
Charlotte 7, Charleston Southern 2

Saturday's Schedule
Tulsa vs. Ch. Southern 9:00
Radford vs. Charlotte 11:00
Stony Brook vs. Charlotte 1:30
Radford vs. Ch. Southern 3:30

Sunday's Schedule
Tulsa vs. Charlotte 10:00
Stony Brook vs. Ch. Southern 12:00
Championship (Teams TBA) 2:00