Softball | 5/8/2026 2:09:41 PM

NORFOLK, Va – No. 2 seed Delaware State Hornets rallied from an early five-run deficit to defeat No. 3 seed Norfolk State Spartans 9-8 on Friday morning at TowneBank Field . 

Norfolk State struck first with a run in the second inning before erupting for four runs in the third to build a 5-0 advantage. Julia Kearney delivered an RBI single in the second, while Maddy Morris added a bunt RBI single in the third. The Spartans capitalized on a pair of Delaware State errors during the inning, with Kearney later driving in two more runs on a play that extended the lead to five. 

Delaware State answered in the top of the third when Nevaeh Terrell doubled home a run to make it 5-1, then completed the comeback with a four-run fourth inning. Angie Ordonez highlighted the rally with a bases-clearing double to left field, tying the game at 5-5 after Karly Cain followed with an RBI single. 

The Spartans regained the lead in the fifth on Kailey Bryant’s two-run single to left, pushing Norfolk State back in front 7-5. Delaware State responded immediately, scoring four times to take the lead.  

Norfolk State cut the deficit to one on Amaya McPherson’s solo home run in the seventh inning, but Delaware State pitcher Kristin White closed out the victory to earn the win in relief. 

Delaware State finished with 10 hits, led by Cain’s 3-for-3 performance with two RBI. Ordonez drove in four runs, while Mi’Shon King added two hits and scored twice. 

Norfolk State’s Kailey Bryant went 3-for-5 with two RBI, while McPherson collected three hits, including her seventh-inning homer. Kearney drove in three runs for the Spartans. 

With the win, Delaware State Hornets advances to the 8:00 p.m. matchup to face the winner of No. 4 Morgan State Bears and No. 6 Coppin State Eagles, while Norfolk State Spartans was eliminated from the tournament.  

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