NSU Run-Rules Rhode Island, Falls to La Salle at Liberty Softball Classic

LYNCHBURG, Va.—Senior Whitney Williams hit a three-run home run and drove in four runs as the Norfolk State softball team run-ruled Rhode Island in its first of two straight games on Friday afternoon at the Liberty Softball Classic. La Salle scored four runs in the third inning to top the Spartans by a 6-2 score in the second contest.

Against Rhode Island, the Spartans benefitted from nine walks issued by URI pitchers as well as four errors on the Rams in winning 10-2 in five innings at the Kamphuis Field at Liberty Softball Stadium. NSU needed just five hits to score those 10 runs, seven of which were unearned.

Williams finished the game 2-for-4 with two runs and four RBI, while Heather Dunning, Devon Bitler and Shelby DesChamps combined to go 2-for-4 with six runs - two each - and four walks.

Sophomore Megan Przeslawski (2-3) earned the win, allowing four hits and two earned runs in three innings. Freshman Marissa Marrero pitched the final two innings and allowed just two hits.

Przeslawski also pitched four no-hit innings in relief in the next game against La Salle (3-7).

Against LaSalle, McKenzie Peace (1-4) gave up two unearned runs on three hits in 4.1 innings of work to earn the victory.

NSU will play two more games on Saturday, the first against Sacred Heart at 10 a.m. and then against Rhode Island at 2:30 p.m. in the sixth meeting this year between the two teams.

For complete story, visit www.nsuspartans.com

N.C. Central Gets in Win Column in Spit with Howard

DURHAM, N.C. – The North Carolina Central University softball team scored a season-high nine runs to tally its first win of the season in a 9-5 nightcap victory over MEAC member Howard University on Friday afternoon at Parkwood Athletic Field.

The Bison pulled away late for a 10-4 win in the opener as the two teams split the non-conference twin bill. Howard finished the day at 2-12 overall and NCCU moved to 1-18.

In the first game, the Lady Eagles trailed 6-4 after five innings but the Bison tacked on four late runs to complete the game one victory.

NCCU threatened most innings but stranded 10 runners on base.

After the Lady Eagles chased the first two Bison pitchers, sophomore Tara Castellanos hurled two shutout innings for Howard to preserve the visitors lead. Castellanos had three strikeouts before earning her first save.

Senior Kayleigh Brueck reached base safely in three of four plate appearances. She had two of NCCU’s five total hits while also drawing a walk. Brueck leads NCCU with five RBI.

In the second game, the Lady Eagles soared out to an 8-2 lead after three innings and then held off a relentless Bison lineup to win by four runs.

Senior starter London Booker (1-7) garnered the win in 4 2/3 innings of work.

For complete story, visit www.nccueaglepride.com