NORFOLK, Va. — The Norfolk State softball team split its Saturday doubleheader, falling 9-0 in six innings to North Dakota in the opener before bouncing back with a 5-3 victory over Holy Cross in game two.
GAME 1 – North Dakota 9, Norfolk State 0 (6 inn.)
North Dakota struck early, plating three runs in the opening inning. A double to right center drove in the first two runs, while the third scored on a double steal to give the Fighting Hawks a 3-0 lead heading into the bottom of the first.
The Spartans were retired in order in the bottom half of the inning, and North Dakota added two more runs in the second to extend its advantage to 5-0.
Norfolk State created its best scoring opportunity in the bottom of the second inning, loading the bases on a pair of walks and a single to left field by
McKaley Kohn. However, the Spartans were unable to capitalize as
Kachelle Refour popped up to the third baseman to end the threat.
After scoreless third and fourth innings, the Fighting Hawks added two runs in the fifth to extend the lead to 7-0. North Dakota pushed across two additional runs in the sixth and held the Spartans off the scoreboard to secure the 9-0 victory in six innings.
GAME 2 – Norfolk State 5, Holy Cross 3
The second game remained scoreless through the first two innings before Norfolk State broke through in the bottom of the third.
Maddy Morris launched a three-run home run over the right field wall, bringing
Kachelle Refour and
Kailey Bryant across the plate to give the Spartans a 3-0 lead.
Holy Cross responded in the top of the fifth inning, scoring three runs to even the contest at 3-3.
Norfolk State regained the lead in the bottom half of the inning, pushing across two runs.
Jaiden Henderson scored on a bases-loaded error that allowed
Maya Johnson to reach safely, and
Aniyah Michalak later came home on a fielding error by the second baseman that allowed Refour to reach base.
The Crusaders threatened in both the sixth and seventh innings, placing two runners on base in each frame, but the Spartan defense held firm to secure the 5-3 victory.
UP NEXT
Norfolk State returns to the diamond on Sunday with two games, facing Fairleigh Dickinson at 2 p.m. before a rematch against Holy Cross at 4 p.m.
