CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Conner Harrell threw three touchdown passes and ran for two more as Charlotte outlasted Monmouth 42-35 on Saturday night, giving Tim Albin his first victory as the 49ers’ head coach.

Harrell was nearly flawless, completing 26 of 30 passes for 382 yards. He connected twice with E. Jai Mason, including a 24-yard strike early in the fourth quarter that put Charlotte ahead for good, and added a 4-yard toss to Jalon Bearns III in the third. Harrell also scored on runs of 8 and 2 yards, the latter breaking a 35-35 tie with 90 seconds remaining .

Mason had a career night with 10 receptions for 228 yards and two scores, while Rod Gainey Jr. added 74 rushing yards and a touchdown for the 49ers (1-2), who rolled up 563 total yards.

Monmouth quarterback Derek Robertson threw for 410 yards and four touchdowns — two to Josh Derry — but the Hawks (2-1) were limited to just 48 rushing yards.

Charlotte’s defense sealed the win with four sacks and two fumble recoveries, handing Albin a memorable first win in front of the home crowd at Jerry Richardson Stadium.