The stands at St. John Stadium were packed as Coastal Carolina University’s softball team opened their season against Creighton University Feb. 8 after the Chants finished last season with a solid 34-21 record.
The game started off tense with Coastal pitcher Nicolette Picone facing a bases-loaded situation in the first inning. But third base Delaney Keith came through with a clutch defensive play to get the team off the field without giving up a run. At the plate, Georgia Hood got things started with a single, followed by a double from first base Keirstin Roose.
Ultimately, Coastal couldn’t capitalize on the offensive opportunity.
The second inning was all about defense. Utility Libby Pippin made a highlight-worthy diving catch, helping the Chants hold Creighton to a quick three-up, three-down frame. Things stayed quiet until the third inning, when the Chanticleer bats came alive. Hood smashed a three-run homer after hits from outfielder Clara Hudgins and Keith, putting Coastal up 3-0.
Coastal’s defense stayed sharp in the fourth inning, shutting Creighton down again. Hudgins kept the momentum going on offense with a single that brought in another run, making it 4-0.
Creighton finally got on the board in the fifth inning after a Coastal error, but the Chants bounced back in the sixth. Keith’s single added a key run, followed by an RBI from Pippin to stretch the lead to 6-1.
Despite a few errors in the seventh inning, Picone and the defense stayed focused to seal the 6-1 win in the Chanticleer season opener. Solid pitching, sharp defense and big plays at the plate were on display as Coastal delivered a promising start for what looks to be an exciting season ahead.
