Charleston, SC-The Cleveland State softball team claimed its first win of the 2024 season in the nightcap of two games on Opening Day of the 2024 season. The Vikings defeated host College of Charleston 2-1 thanks to a seventh inning rally.

Cleveland State started the scoring in the fourth inning. Brooke Albaugh led off with a double and Melissa Holzopfel laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Albaugh to third base. Becky Hurosky followed with an RBI single to right field to put the Vikings up 1-0.

Holzopfel was stellar in the circle throughout the evening, going the distance and giving up just one unearned run which came in the sixth inning. She struck out six and walked just one while surrendering just three hits.

With the score tied at one in the seventh inning, the Vikings once again came through. Haley West led off the top of the seventh with a double, and once again the Vikings used small ball to perfection as Sophie Spellman bunted West to third. Kiera Frascone followed with an RBI single to left field to score West with the go-ahead run.

Holzopfel made quick work of the Cougars in the bottom of the inning. She retired the side in order with two strikeouts and a pop out to finish off the complete game. 

The win was a great bounce-back performance following a 13-0 loss to East Carolina in the regular season opener. The Vikings collected just one hit in the contest and the game was called after five innings due to the run rule.

Cleveland State continues play at the College of Charleston Invitational with two more games tomorrow. The Vikings take on St. Joseph's at 12:30 p.m. before a rematch against the host Cougars at 5:30.