NORFOLK, Va. | The Norfolk State University softball team fell to the River Hawks from UMass-Lowell 2-0 in a 10 inning marathon game on Thursday evening at the NSU Softball Field.

The River Hawks (1-4) and Spartans (3-2) battled through nine innings before either team found a score in the tenth inning. 

The teams saw limited chances on early in the game as UMass left three runners on the bases through the first four innings while NSU's lone opportunity came from Gabby Vaughan who was walked in the second inning.

Both teams put one runner on the bases over the fifth and sixth innings but the River Hawks bats got warmer in the seventh inning and beyond as UMass put five runners on the bases through the ninth inning and drove in two runs in the top of the tenth inning while holding the Spartans off the scoreboard for the win.

Spartan hurler, Alexis Robinson threw nine innings during which she struck out 11 of 36 batters faced. 

The Spartans (3-2) return to the field on Saturday, February 18, when they co-host the NSU-Hampton Classic at the NSU Softball Field. Norfolk State will face Bucknell on Saturday at 10 AM and end the day against Wagner at 5 PM. They turn around to take on Georgetown on Sunday at 3 PM. 

For complete coverage of Norfolk State athletics, please follow the Spartans on social media at @NSUSpartans (Twitter), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram), @nsuathletics (YouTube) or visit the official home of Norfolk State Athletics at nsuspartans.com.