PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – On a day where Hawks Field witnessed 40 runs in two games, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Softball Team resumed conference play against in-state rival Coppin State (CSU). Despite the high scoring output, the Lady Hawks dropped both contests. CSU’s late rally down UMES in the first game, 7-6, and outslugged Maryland Eastern Shore in the second contest, 16-11.

With both setbacks, the Lady Hawks moved to 3-19 (1-4 MEAC) overall while Coppin State improved to 2-14 (2-0 MEAC) on the season.

In game one, UMES registered six runs on 10 hits. Maryland Eastern Shore found ways to get on base; however, failed to capitalize on several occasions as they left nine stranded runners. Newcomer Samantha Casarez (Sylmar, Calif.) led the Hawk attack, posting a career-high three hits. On the mound, fellow freshman Adrienne Guerra (Monrovia, Calif.) had a solid outing as she fanned eight Eagles in a losing effort.

Coppin State took the early advantage after an inning of play, 1-0. In the third, CSU tallied another run to increase the lead, 2-0. In the Lady Hawks’ third at-bat, they manufactured a run and trimmed the deficit in half, 2-1. After a scoreless fourth, UMES’ bats came alive.

Junior Vanessa Gomez  gave UMES a lead-off single to open the fifth, followed by a stolen base. Then, Gomez advanced to third on a wild pitch and put the Lady Hawks in business. With no outs, sophomore Allison Anderson (Colorado Springs, Colo.) sac flied to left field and tied the contest, 2-2. Maryland Eastern Shore’s rally continued as two more crossed home to take the lead, 4-2.

Both squads were scoreless in the sixth, but the Eagles answered in the seventh with five runs and reclaimed the advantage, 7-4. UMES responded with two runs in the bottom seventh, but the Lady Hawks’ comeback fell short, 7-6.

For the Eagles, they recorded seven runs on 10 hits. Danielle Smith went 2-of-4 with three runs scored in the victory.

In game two, UMES had a season-high 18 hits against Coppin State. Trenece Nash powered the Lady Hawks, logging a game-high four hits with two RBIs. Senior Morgan King  and sophomore Alexis Hudson (Laurel, Del.) each posted two RBIs in the loss.

Facing an early 3-0 deficit, Maryland Eastern Shore got back in the game with runs in the first, 3-2. CSU tabbed another run in the third, 4-2, to kick-start a rally in the fourth. Coppin State produced four runs, capped off by a two-run single from Shelby Mendoza, 8-2. UMES fought back in the bottom fourth and scored three runs, thanks to a two-run triple by Hudson, 8-5.

The offensive explosion continued into the fifth as both clubs combined for 10 runs. Coppin State registered six runs, headlined by homers from Alanna Williams and Samantha Denlinger. Maryland Eastern Shore countered with four runs on five hits and reduced the margin, 14-9.

In the sixth, the Eagles added two more to increase their lead, 16-9. UMES noted two runs of their own in the seventh, but the comeback fell short again, 16-11.

For Coppin State, they recorded 16 runs on 17 hits. Williams and Candice Van Horn each generated four hits while Denlinger had a game-high five RBIs in the win.

Tomorrow, Maryland Eastern Shore looks to avoid the season sweep as they take on the Eagles at Hawks Field. First-pitch is set for noon.

For complete stories, visit www.umeshawks.com or www.coppinstatesports.com