NORFOLK, Va. — The Norfolk State softball team returns home this weekend looking to extend its momentum, hosting North Carolina Central for a three-game MEAC series at TowneBank Field. The teams will open with a doubleheader on Saturday at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m., followed by a single game on Sunday at 12:30 p.m.

FOLLOW ALONG  
Fans can follow all the action via live stats on the NSU athletics website. 

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE  

Norfolk State enters the weekend at 15-10 overall and 5-1 in conference play, riding a seven-game winning streak that includes sweeps over Maryland Eastern Shore and Mid-Atlantic Christian. The Spartans have surged early in league play and will look to continue that success at home this weekend.

The Spartans have established themselves as one of the most complete offensive teams in the MEAC, combining power in the middle of the lineup with speed at the top. Five everyday players are hitting above .300, led by Maddy Morris, who is batting .394 with eight home runs and 21 RBIs while posting a 1.266 OPS. Morris also leads the team with a .803 slugging percentage, anchoring the lineup as one of the conference's most dangerous hitters.

Kailey Bryant (.382) has been a consistent table-setter, leading the team with 34 hits while adding nine doubles, two triples, and a team-best nine stolen bases. Bristyl Riddick (.378) continues to be a key run producer with a team-high 24 RBIs and six home runs, while Aniyah Michalak (.375) adds balance with her ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities, including eight stolen bases. McKaley Kohn (.314) rounds out the group, providing depth and consistency throughout the order.

In the circle, Norfolk State has relied on a strong one-two punch in Morris and Bryant. Morris has emerged as the Spartans' ace, posting a 7-3 record with a 1.90 ERA across 59.0 innings of work while holding opponents to a .247 batting average. She has recorded four complete games, including two shutouts, and picked up a save, showcasing her ability to deliver in key moments.

Bryant has provided valuable depth with a 5-4 record and a 3.17 ERA in 46.1 innings pitched, adding 28 strikeouts and multiple complete-game performances. Together, the duo has combined for 12 wins and three shutouts, giving the Spartans a reliable presence in the circle throughout their current winning streak.
 

North Carolina Central enters the series at 6-24 overall but holds a 4-2 mark in MEAC play, highlighted by a series sweep of Coppin State and a 10-0 win over Morgan State. The Eagles also split a midweek doubleheader at Longwood, taking game one before dropping the second contest.

Offensively, NCCU is led by Izabella Chavez, who is hitting .373 with a .531 on-base percentage and 17 walks, serving as a consistent presence at the top of the lineup. Daiyah Bailey adds speed with nine stolen bases, while Kendal Daniels and Hannah McGonigle provide balance through the middle. Mia De La Fuente leads the team with 13 RBIs, giving the Eagles a reliable option in run-producing situations.

In the circle, the Eagles lean heavily on Madeline Janssen and Simone Mack, who have combined for more than 130 innings pitched this season. Janssen leads the staff in innings and strikeouts while serving as the primary starter, while Mack provides additional experience and depth. NCCU's pitching staff has relied on durability from its top arms as it navigates conference play.

SERIES HISTORY
Norfolk State holds a 41-23 all-time advantage over North Carolina Central in the series, though recent meetings have been tightly contested.

The Eagles claimed a 2-1 series win during the 2025 regular season, extending a stretch where NCCU won seven consecutive matchups over the Spartans before Norfolk State responded with a 10-3 victory in game two of the series.

The Spartans carried that momentum into postseason play, earning a 7-5 win over the Eagles in the MEAC Softball Tournament. Then a freshman, Bristyl Riddick delivered the decisive blow, blasting her first collegiate home run over the left-center field fence in the top of the sixth inning to secure the victory.

UP NEXT

Norfolk State travels to South Carolina State for a three-game MEAC series on April 3-4. First pitch for Friday's doubleheader is set for 1 and 3 p.m., followed by a 12 p.m. game on Saturday.