SMITHFIELD, R.I. – On the heels of the huge 7th inning comeback, the Bryant University softball team picked up a split against the College of Charleston, winning Game 1, 3-2, before dropping Game 2, 2-1, Tuesday night in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.

Game 1

The Bulldogs (3-9) founded themselves down 2-0 heading into the top of the 7th and final inning after the Cougars (16-9) added runs in the bottom of the 1st on a passed ball and the bottom of the 6th on a sacrifice bunt.

In the top of the 7th, sophomore Hayley Bottino (Canyon Country, Calif.) and senior Aubrey Mable (Aurora, Colo.) got things started with back-to-back singles putting runners on first and second with nobody out. One batter later, freshman Taylor Burger (Killingworth, Conn.) knocked a pinch hit single up the middle, loading the bases for junior Jessica Benacquista (Belleville, N.J.). Benacquista sent a shot to towards third base but was unable to beat the throw at first, but scored Bottino in the process, cutting the deficit in half, 2-1, with one out.

Senior Kristen Carter (Branchville, N.J.) stepped up to the plate, singling up the middle to score Mable and knot the game up, 2-2. After senior Lauren Guy (La Habra, Calif.) reached on a fielder's choice, classmate Kendall Corder (Carmichael, Calif.) singled home the go-ahead run in a pinch hit appearance, granting Bryant the 3-2 edge.

In the bottom of the 7th, sophomore pitcher Elle Madsen (Wheat Ridge, Colo.) took care of business to secure the one-run comeback victory for Bryant. The sophomore allowed just two earned runs on three hits to go along with four Ks in seven innings of solid work.

Game 2

The second leg of the doubleheader, Bryant attempted to rally yet another seventh-inning comeback, but fell just short, falling to College of Charleston, 2-1.

In the second inning, the Cougars scored their only runs of the contest on a Mackenzie Maples RBI single to right field and a double steal that scored a run.

In the top of the 7th, sophomore Liana Ogata (Tustin, Calif.) got things started with an infield single. After back-to-back strikeouts, junior outfielder Madeline Velasquez (Los Angeles, Calif.) drove home Ogata on a RBI double to left field. Despite having a runner in scoring position, the Bulldogs were unable to complete the second come-from-behind victory of the night, eventually falling 2-1.

Sophomore Katelin Saunders (Laguna Niguel, Calif.) was solid in six innings of work, allowing just the two runs on five hits and one walk. Velasquez and senior Taylor Bell (Yorktown Heights, N.Y.) led the Black and Gold with two hits apiece.

After an exhibition contest with the Netherlands National team on Wednesday, Bryant will pick their regular season slate back up on Friday when they open action in Clearwater, Fla., at the USF Spring Break Tournament.

For all the latest news on the Bryant University softball team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.