NORFOLK, Virginia — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks softball team fell to conference opponent Norfolk State University in both games of their doubleheader on Saturday afternoon (March 31).

The Spartans won game one 8-1. Norfolk State scored five runs in the third inning to help catapult them into the lead.

The Shore saw their only run of the game cross the plate in the fifth inning. Senior Heidi Smith (Odenton, MD) grounded out to the second basemen and classmate Kiana Peterson (Willingboro, NJ) came home on the play.

Peterson led the Hawks at the plate going 3-3 with a double and stolen base in the first game. Senior Breana Florez (Houston, TX) went 1-2 with a walk and freshman Anissa Derifield (Woodbridge, VA) went 1-3 in the contest.

In game two, NSU held Eastern Shore scoreless as they won 10-0 in five innings. Seven runs in the third inning was the catalyst of the Spartans victory.

Senior Daeshia Jones (Teaneck, NJ) went 2-3 in the contest to lead the Hawks at the plate. Freshmen Rachel Gingrich (Landisburg, PA) and Derifield each had a hit in the game. Freshman Janiah Luciano (Teaneck, NJ) drew a walk as a pinch hitter to reach base as well.

Maryland Eastern Shore (4-19, 1-3 MEAC) will face Norfolk State for one more game tomorrow (March 31) to end their weekend series.

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