CONWAY, S.C. – The Coastal Carolina softball team rallied back from a 4-1 deficit to take the opener against the Ragin' Cajuns, 5-4.

The Ragin' Cajuns took an early lead in the top of the first inning when Emily Smith ripped a line drive up the middle to score one run.

In the top of the third inning, Louisiana added two more runs on an RBI double and a one-run single to extend the lead to 3-0.

After being held scoreless for four innings, the Chants broke through when Clara Hudgens cracked a double off the center-field wall to cut the deficit to 3-1.

Louisiana tacked on an insurance run in the top of the sixth when Sam Roe singled to second base, pushing the Ragin' Cajuns' lead to 4-1.

The Chanticleers made a late-game push in the bottom of the seventh when Brie Normandin singled to second base, followed immediately by Maddy Jennings, who crushed a two-run home run to center field, make the score 4-3.

Delaney Keith then stepped up to the plate with the Chants down to their final out and runners on first and second. The junior held her nerve and laced a two-run double into the left-center field gap, driving in two runs to walk off the Ragin' Cajuns, 5-4.

Nicolette Picone improved to 16-2 in the circle, allowing four runs on eight hits in seven innings of work.

The Chanticleers return to action on Saturday, March 29, at 2 p.m. for game two of the three-game series at St. John Stadium.

For complete coverage of CCU softball, follow the Chanticleers on social media at @CoastalSoftball (X), @GoCCUSports (Instagram), and facebook.com/CCUChanticleers (Facebook), or visit the official home of Coastal Carolina Athletics at goccusports.com.