Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Megan Hodgson and Linnette Siedler recorded three hits each to lead the La Salle softball squad in two tough losses to Charlotte on Friday afternoon. Charlotte took the first game 1-0 and the second game 6-1.

Hodgson also added a double, RBI and stolen base.

Alicia Aughton once again pitched two complete games, giving up just three earned runs and striking out five on the day.

In game one, the 49ers got the only run needed in the bottom of the second. Chelsea Ingersoll hit a RBI groundout to score Jackie Kleinsmith, who reached on a single up the middle and advanced on a Chelsea Stamey double.

The Explorers had their best chance of scoring in the fifth. Shannon Skomorucha belted a leadoff single to left center and Siedler followed up with a single to shortstop. Both advanced to second and third on a wild pitch but the Niners came up with two strikeouts and a fly-out to end the inning.

Aughton went the distance, giving up one run on six hits and striking out three. Lexi Betancourt pitched all seven for the Niners, scattering five hits, striking out six and walking two.

Charlotte drew first blood in the nightcap with an unearned run in the first. Kalie Lang singled in Lorena Vela, who reached on an Explorer miscue.

The Niners added one more in the third on Briana Gwaltney's first of two home runs.

The Explorers got one back in the fifth. Pinch hitter Alyssa Bitsimis drew a one-out walk and came home on Hodgson's double to center.

Charlotte put the game out of reach in the bottom of the sixth, exploding for four runs (three unearned). Stamey and Ingersoll crossed home on Alex Rogers' triple, before Gwaltney blasted her second home run of the game to also score Rogers.

The Explorers were unable to mount a comeback in the seventh, going down in order to end the game.

Aughton pitched the entire game, giving up six runs (just two earned) on nine hits and struck out two. Katie Watkins earned the 'W' for the Niners, also going the distance and giving up one run on five hits, striking out nine and walking three.

The Explorers return to action on Tuesday (4/10) for a single game at Drexel at 3 p.m.