NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk State softball team secured the series victory over North Carolina Central with a 2-0 shutout in Sunday's finale at TowneBank Field. 

With the win, Norfolk State improves to 17-11 overall and 7-2 in MEAC play, moving into second place in the conference standings. 

GAME 3 – NORFOLK STATE 2, NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL 0 

After a scoreless opening inning, the Spartans broke through in the bottom of the second. Kachelle Refour delivered an RBI single to the pitcher, allowing Bristyl Riddick to cross the plate and give NSU a 1-0 lead. 

Norfolk State added an insurance run in the fourth inning when Refour reached on a fielding error by the shortstop, bringing Maya Johnson home to extend the advantage to 2-0. 

The Spartans' defense and pitching took over from there. Norfolk State kept the Eagles off the base paths in the fifth and sixth innings before shutting down a late rally in the seventh to preserve the shutout. 

Refour drove in both runs for the Spartans, finishing 1-for-3 at the plate. Julia Kearney, Maya Johnson, and Qween Edmonds each added a hit in the win. 

Samantha Stevenson was strong in the circle, tossing a complete-game shutout while allowing six hits, walking two, and striking out two. 

UP NEXT 

Norfolk State returns to action on April 3-4 for a MEAC road series against South Carolina State in Orangeburg, S.C.