SALEM, Va. – Shepherd University (36-14) dropped game one in first day MEC Softball Tournament action in Salem, Virginia on Friday. Shepherd dropped a 5-0 decision against the University of Charleston in the early game and had its later game against Notre Dame halted in the first inning due to rain.

Charleston took a 2-0 lead in the third inning behind an RBI-single from Haleigh Christopher and an RBI-double by Carly Turner.

Shepherd loaded the bases in the fifth, but was unable to get on the board.

The Golden Eagles added three insurance runs in the seventh with Turner and Christopher each driving in a run to key the rally.

Turner and Christopher each had a pair of hits to pace UC.

Senior outfielder Kaitlyn Konopka (Medford, N.J./Shawnee),  senior outfielder Morgan Cox (Halifax, Pa./Halifax), senior catcher Rachel Taylor (Marshall, Va./Fauquier), and sophomore shortstop Ashley Burger (Hedgesville, W.Va./Spring Mills)  each singled for the Rams.

Turner (7.0 IP, 4 H, 7 K, 2 BB) (18-9) gained the win for the Golden Eagles. Junior pitcher Taylor Stocks (Bunker Hill, W.Va./Musselman/Fordham) (7.0 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 6 K, 1 BB) (17-6) took the loss.

Shepherd was at bat in the bottom of the first inning against Notre Dame when the game was halted due to rain. Play will resume at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning.