NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk State softball team split its Saturday doubleheader against North Carolina Central, falling 3-2 in game one before rallying for a 7-6 victory in game two at TowneBank Field.
With the split, Norfolk State moves to 16-11 overall and 6-2 in MEAC play, while N.C. Central stands at 7-25 (5-3 MEAC).
GAME 1 – N.C. CENTRAL 3 – NORFOLK 2
Both teams were held scoreless in the opening inning before N.C. Central broke through in the second, scoring on a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded.
Norfolk State answered in the fourth inning when Amaya McPherson drove a single up the middle to score Maddy Morris and tie the game at 1-1.
After a scoreless fifth inning, the Spartans took their first lead in the sixth. Aniyah Michalak came around to score on a single from Bristyl Riddick, putting NSU ahead 2-1.
The Eagles responded in the top of the seventh with a two-run home run to reclaim the lead, 3-2. Norfolk State was unable to answer in the bottom half, as N.C. Central held on for the win.
Morris pitched a complete game, allowing two earned runs on four hits while striking out five. Michalak led the Spartans offensively with two hits and a run scored.
GAME 2 – N.C. CENTRAL 6 – NORFOLK 7
N.C. Central jumped out to an early lead in game two, scoring three runs in the first inning and adding two more in the second to take a 5-0 advantage.
Norfolk State got on the board in the second when Maya Johnson drove in Bristyl Riddick with a single down the left field line, cutting the deficit to 5-1.
After three scoreless innings, the Eagles added another run in the sixth to extend their lead to 6-1. The Spartans responded in dramatic fashion in the bottom half of the inning, erupting for six runs to take control.
Maddy Morris led off the rally with a single before Aniyah Michalak followed with a base hit. After both runners advanced, Amaya McPherson delivered a three-run home run to left center, bringing NSU within two at 6-4.
Johnson followed with a solo home run to right field, trimming the deficit to one.
With two outs, Julia Kearney doubled to right center and scored on a single from Kachelle Refour to tie the game at 6-6. Qween Edmonds then delivered the go-ahead RBI single to right field, scoring Refour and giving the Spartans a 7-6 lead.
Norfolk State's defense closed the door in the seventh, retiring the Eagles in order to secure the comeback victory.
Johnson went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs and a run scored, while McPherson added three RBIs on a two-hit performance.
UP NEXT
Norfolk State and North Carolina Central will conclude the series on Sunday, March 29. First pitch is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
