Box Score GREENVILLE, N.C. -- The Norfolk State University softball team got back on track with a 13-5 six-inning win over the University of Massachusetts at the Purple/Gold Invitational in Greenville, N.C. 

After a scoreless first inning, Norfolk State (8-10) scored in the remaining five innings pulling ahead by eight runs to win in six innings. The Spartans took an early 7-0 lead and held on to claim a 13-5 victory, snapping a seven game losing streak. 

Three singles in the top of the second inning got the scoring going for the Spartans as Lily Potter, Lauren Sheehan, and Leah Wisswell all crossed home plate in the inning. 

NSU added two more in the top of the third as Gabby Vaughan homered for the second time during the weekend driving in Jade Dixon for the two runs that put the Spartans up 5-0. 

Two more Spartans rounded third for home plate in the top of the fourth inning as Dixon hit a single to deep center scoring Cam Andersen and Yrral Davis putting NSU ahead 7-0.

Massachusetts scored three runs in the bottom half of the fourth inning to close Norfolk State's lead to four runs, however, Norfolk State answered with two runs in the top of the fifth that put the score at 9-3. An Imani Moore double scored Andersen and Davis for NSU. 

The Spartans added four more runs in the top of the sixth pulling ahead by ten runs, 13-3, as Brianna Rucker, Potter, Victoria Taylor, and Sheehan all crossed home plate. UMass added two runs in the bottom half of the inning but the Minutewomen could not rally from the eight-run deficit at the Spartans claimed the victory. 

Norfolk State returns to the field after a week off to open MEAC conference action next weekend, March 18-19, when they host the Bison of Howard University, the reigning MEAC Champions, for a three game series. Saturday's doubleheader, March 18, will be broadcasted on ESPN+, while Sunday's single-game contest will air on ESPNU. Game times are 1 PM, 3 PM, and 12 PM respectively. 

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.