CONWAY, S.C. – The Coastal Carolina softball team edged the Oakland Golden Grizzlies 2-1 at St. John Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
 
The Chants improve to 8-5 on the season while Oakland falls to 4-3.
 
CCU opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning when Riley Zana and Indya Smith smashed back-to-back singles to put runners on first and third base. Smith then lured the Oakland catcher into a throwdown to second base which allowed Zana to pull off a double steal to put the Chants up 1-0.
 
In the bottom of the second inning, CCU's Libby Pippen laced a leadoff single through the right side, then advanced to third on a stolen base and a groundout to get in scoring position. Brie Normandin then stepped up to the plate and laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt which allowed Pippin to reach home to make the score 2-0.
 
The Golden Grizzlies tallied one run back in the top of the fifth inning when Allisa DiPrima laid down a bunt. DiPrima raced to reach first base but a throwing error allowed her to make her way around the bases to narrow the gap to 2-1.
 
Oakland looked to come back in the top of the seventh inning when Nicolette Picone entered the circle. The Golden Grizzlies put the pressure on the Chants after a single and a CCU error put runners on second and third base. Reese Ruhlman then stepped up and ripped a ground ball to Zana at second base who then launched the ball home to throw out the tying run and keep the score at 2-1. Picone then kept her cool to strike out the final batter to give the Chants the win.
 
Raelee Brabham (6-2) picked up her sixth win in the circle, recording four strikeouts and pitching her way out of two bases-loaded jams. 
 
The Chanticleers will be back in action at St. John Stadium tomorrow as they take on the Michigan State Spartans at 2 p.m. ET.
 
For complete coverage of CCU softball, follow the Chanticleers on social media at @CoastalSoftball (Twitter), @GoCCUSports (Instagram), and facebook.com/CCUChanticleers (Facebook) or visit the official home of Coastal Carolina Athletics at goccusports.com.