WILMINGTON, North Carolina – Charleston scored three runs in the fifth inning to avoid a Colonial Athletic Association sweep and post a 3-1 victory over UNCW in Sunday afternoon softball action at Boseman Field.

The Cougars, 10-34 (4-10 CAA), snapped an eight-game losing skid to the Seahawks and face Winthrop in a Tuesday doubleheader. The Seahawks, 27-11 (9-6 CAA), close out their home schedule next Saturday and Sunday against Elon in a three-game series as both teams look to secure berths to the CAA Championships.

In a rematch of Saturday's series opener in the circle, Charleston's Carli McCants (4-9) tossed 13 strikeouts in a complete-game effort. The junior right-hander allowed no earned runs and scattered one hit and two walks.

UNCW freshman Emily Winstead (10-6) pitched into the fifth inning, allowing three runs with four strikeouts. The Bunn, N.C. product is two strikeouts from the freshman single-season strikeout record.

Cougars' second baseman Noel Dominguez singled through the left side to start the inning and moved to second on a fielder's choice. With two outs, Carsten Puckett walked to load the bases, setting up RBI singles by Shealyn Starks and Kayla Gutierrez.

The Seahawks struck first in the bottom of the third when centerfielder Camryn Dean stole home after McCants turned her back to the plate following a pitch. Dean reached and advanced to second on an error. The senior then moved to third on a dropped third strike before catching McCants napping.

GAME NOTES: The Seahawks have won four CAA series this season … Anna Knox had the lone Seahawk hit … UNCW has four stolen bases on Sunday … The Seahawks have six games remaining in the regular season … Lauren Cope drew her tenth start of the season at first base … UNCW is 19-6 at home this season … Kara Hammock worked a scoreless 2.1 innings in relief … Winstead hit two batters … McCants faced four batters above the minimum.