NORFOLK, Va. - Norfolk State wins both games in the doubleheader series against UMass Lowell on Friday: game one (3-1) and game two (1-0); at the NSU Softball Field.

Norfolk State (6-4) defeated the River Hawks of UMass Lowell (0-9) behind a great pitching dup of freshman Amaya McPherson and senior Brierra Tyler.

In the top of the first, the Spartans spoiled a potential scoring opportunity for the River Hawks with one and runners on the corner. 

They tried a double steal, but a well thrown ball by second baseman Emree Sky Obispo to catcher Bristyl Riddick stopped the runner in her tracks for the out.

Leading off in the sixth Emree Sky Obispo reached after being hit by a pitch, following a single by Aniyah Michalak. 

In her first appearance this year, Emory Shorts put the Spartans up by two runs with her two-RBI double that bounced off the first baseman allowing her to round first as well as clear the bases. 

Shorts' double gave the Spartans a lead they never relinquished. An insurance run in the sixth on a single by Kailey Bryany gave the Spartans a 3-0 lead.

The River Hawks put up only one run in the seventh inning before falling 3-1 to the Spartans. McPerson received the win after allowing only one run, two hits, whilst striking out four batters.

McPherson held the River Hawks scoreless through six consecutive innings. 

In game two, the Spartans used momentum from game one along with some errors from the River Hawks to go up 1-0.

Bryant led off the first inning, reaching on a fielding error by the shortstop and stole second in future at-bats. With two outs, Bryant advanced to third as Qween Olivia Edmonds reached first on a fielding error.

On an errant throw from UMass Lowell's catcher allowed Bryant to run home for the Spartans only score of the game.

Tyler recorded a shutout performance allowing just four hits, striking out seven, with no earned runs.This was Tyler's first shutout of the season.

The Spartans host South Dakota at home Saturday for their next contests. Game one begins at 12 p.m.

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