NORFOLK, Va. – Freshman shortstop Adam Collins and junior catcher Ismael Herrera led a 17-hit Norfolk State attack with three hits apiece as the Spartans rolled to a 12-7 win over Villanova on Saturday afternoon at Marty L. Miller Field.

Collins and Herrera each went 3-for-4 with two RBI for the Spartans (2-0). They were two of six Spartans with at least two hits, joined by Denathan Dukes, Alex Mauricio, Brian Beard, and Chase Anderson with two apiece.

Senior left hander Devin Hemmerich matched his career high with 10 strikeouts and allowed two runs over seven innings to pick up the win.

The Spartans scored three times in the first, four in the third, three more in the fifth and twice in the sixth to open up a 12-1 lead over the Wildcats (0-2). Villanova scratched out six runs over its final three frames at bat to account for the final margin.

Collins and Beard hit RBI singles in NSU's three-run first. Roger Hall smashed an RBI triple to start the four-run third, which also included an RBI single by Herrera and a two-run single by Anderson to make it 7-1.

NSU scored three runs thanks to three hits and two Villanova errors in the fifth, then all but put the game away in the sixth. Collins hit an RBI double over the left fielder's head, then scored on Herrera's third hit of the game, a single to center.

Hemmerich allowed seven hits and did not walk a batter. He recorded his most strikeouts in a game since his sophomore year, when he fanned 10 on two occasions.

The Wildcats scored single runs in the eighth and ninth before plating four in the ninth off three NSU relievers. Anderson moved from the infield to the mound and recorded the final two outs of the game, including a strikeout to end it.

Herrera matched his career high with three hits, which included a double. Herrera, Collins, Beard and Hall all scored two runs apiece. Hall also knocked in two runs in a 1-for-3 day.

The teams conclude their series at noon on Sunday.