CARY, North Carolina — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore softball team scored first in their game Friday afternoon (March 15) versus the North Carolina Central University Eagles, but NCCU answered back with 10 runs to capture a 10-1 win.

The Shore scored in the second when freshman Rachel Gingrich (Landisburg, PA) doubled down the left field line to bring senior Kiana Peterson (Willingboro, NJ) in to score following her single earlier in the inning. NC Central would respond with two runs in the third to take a 2-1 lead into the fourth.

The home half of the fourth inning would take over 30 minutes to complete as two separate rain delays happened in the bottom of the inning. The Eagles bats would bring the thunder and lightning after the rain delay as they scored eight runs in the frame. Eastern Shore would not score in the fifth and the game ended following five innings.

Other Hawks that got a hit in the game were freshmen Jordan Kelly (Bridgeton, NJ) and Anissa Derifield (Woodbridge, VA). Senior Heidi Smith (Odenton, MD) also reached base after drawing a walk.

The Hawks and Eagles will play a doubleheader tomorrow (March 16) in Cary, NC beginning at noon.

For more information on Eastern Shore Athletics visit http://www.easternshorehawks.com/.