PRINCESS ANNE, M.D. - The Norfolk State softball team played against Maryland Eastern Shore in the last game of this series on Sunday falling 5-3.


The Spartans (4-33, 3-9 MEAC) in their 12th conference game of the season faced the Hawks of Maryland Eastern Shore (8-25, 3-9 MEAC) in Princess Anne.


The Spartans, led by Rylie Gilbreath, challenged the Hawks after Gilbreath secured her fourth home run in seven games for the first score of the game.


The Spartans fell to the Hawks after they had a five-run third inning to capture and hold the lead.


The Spartans led 1-0 at the top of the third before the Hawks put up five runs in the bottom of the inning to go up 5-1.


Mounting a comeback in the top of the fifth inning down 5-2, the Spartans utilized a hard hit double to center field from Loren Hudson that scored Aniyah Michalak who had reached in a previous at-bat on a walk.


To start the inning Kachelle Refour was walked after coming into pinch run for Victoria Ruiz. Kira Turner grounded out and GIlbreath flew out as Michalak came up to bat.


Refour stole second to put herself in scoring position for the Spartans as Michalak came up to bat. Refour was able to score after Michalak reached first on a throwing error by the shortstop, as the Spartans came within two runs, 5-3.


Hudson flew out for the last out of the game as the Spartans fell to the Hawks.


Gilbreath and Lauren Sheehan both had multi-hit games for the Spartans after they both finished with two hits. Hudson and Gilbreath both secured RBIs and doubles as well.


Coming up - The Spartans play the last home series of the season against Morgan State on Saturday, Apr. 13 in a double header. The first game will be televised on ESPNU for a 12 p.m. start.