Charlotte (26-17 overall, 7-7 Conference USA) started the C-USA doubleheader by edging the Lady Toppers, 1-0, in a pitching duel, hen used a big fifth inning in the nightcap for a 11-3 victory in five innings.
WKU’s Kat Downing and Charlotte’s Lexi Betancourt both recorded impressive outings in the circle for their respective teams in the opener. The deciding run came early as a Downing throwing error to first base scored a Charlotte runner from second base as the 49ers took the 1-0 advantage.
Downing (5-3) took the loss, giving up just five hits with no earned runs while tying a career-best with five strikeouts.