HARRISONBURG, Va. – The Coastal Carolina softball team opened its final Sun Belt Conference series with a 8-7 win versus the James Madison Dukes in Harrisonburg, Va., on Thursday afternoon.

With the win, the Chanticleers improved to 33-19, 13-9 Sun Belt, while JMU dropped to 29-20 and 11-11 in conference play.

The Chants opened the scoring in the top of the second inning when Brie Normandin's single to the pitcher drove in Ava Hampton and gave CCU a 1-0 lead.

In the top of the third inning, Delaney Keith kicked off the frame with a leadoff double to left-centerfield and came around to score on a Georgia Hood groundout to make the score 2-0.

The Dukes battled their way back into the game in the bottom of the third inning, putting runners on first and second on a walk and a single. Payton List then cracked a three-run home run over the left-field wall to push JMU in front at 3-2.

Coastal's offense fired in the top of the fourth inning when Riley Zana smashed a ball through the legs of the JMU shortstop, which allowed Clara Hudgens and Normandin to reach home to regain the lead at 4-3. Hood then slotted a two-run single through the left side to extend CCU's lead to 6-3.

JMU kept the Chants within reach in the bottom of the fourth frame when Reed Butler smashed a two-run home run over the left field wall to narrow the gap to 6-5.

The Chants regained control in the top of the sixth inning when Iyanla De Jesus and Hood launched back-to-back solo home runs to push CCU ahead, 8-5.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Dukes loaded the bases on a single and two walks and were able to drive in one run on a hit-by-pitch to make the score 8-6.

JMU chased at the Chants' heels in the bottom of the seventh inning when Lexi Rogers hit a leadoff home run to put the Dukes within one run at 8-7, but Coastal secured the final three outs to take the series-opening victory.

Due to incoming inclement weather the Chanticleers will conclude the regular season with a doubleheader versus the Dukes tomorrow. First pitch is set for noon ET and game two will follow after its completion.

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.