SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. – Shepherd University (35-13, 22-8 MEC) split with the University of Charleston (32-17) in MEC softball doubleheader action at Sara Cree Field on Saturday. Charleston earned a 2-1 win eight innings in game one, while Shepherd rebounded with a 9-1 triumph in six innings in the nightcap.

The Rams got a two-run double from sophomore second baseman Leann Brown (Hume, Va./Fauquier) in the first inning in the nightcap to take a 2-0 lead.

Shepherd added a run in the second on an RBI-single from freshman third baseman Nicole Purtell (Centreville, Va./Centreville).

The Rams added five runs in the fourth with a two-run double by Brown keying the rally.

Charleston got on the board in the fifth on an RBI-single by Karli Pinkerton.

Purtell led off the sixth with a single and scored on a triple off the bat of senior first baseman Connor Gilligan (Medford, N.J. Shawnee) to end the game early due to the eight-run rule.

Junior pitcher Taylor Stocks (Bunker Hill, W.Va./Musselman/Fordham) (6.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 8 K, 3 BB) (16-4) gained the win. Carlee Lucas (3.2 IP, 5 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 1 K, 3 BB) (10-7) took the loss.

Charleston took a 1-0 lead in game one on an RBI-double by Bailey Gogia in the fourth.

Shepherd tied the game in the sixth when Gilligan scored from third as Brown attracted a throw as she was caught stealing from first.

Pinkerton singled and later scored on a ground out by Brionna Bowman in the eighth to give the Golden Eagles the win.

Pinkerton went 3-for-4 to lead UC.

Carly Turner (8.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 K, 4 BB) (11-6) earned the win. Senior pitcher Lori Sturgill (Waldorf, Md./McDonough/College of Southern Maryland) (8.0 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 2 K, 1 BB) (14-6) took the loss.

The Rams return to action on Sunday when they host West Virginia State for a 1 p.m. doubleheader.