NORFOLK, Virginia — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore softball team closed a five run deficit down to two at one point on Sunday morning (March 31) against the Norfolk State University Spartans, but NSU would hold on for a 7-3 win.

The Hawks (4-20, 1-4) were down 5-0 heading into the fifth inning and began their comeback. Sophomore Nasya Goodman (Willingboro, NJ) singled to start the inning. After a sacrifice bunt from freshman Janiah Luciano (Teaneck, NJ) moved Goodman to second, senior Daeshia Jones (Teaneck, NJ) singled to put runners on the corners. Freshman Rachel Gingrich (Landisburg, PA) would then lay down another sacrifice bunt to score Goodman and get Jones to third.

After Gingrich's at-bat, senior Breana Florez (Houston, TX) drew a walk. Sophomore Stephanie Huff (Montoursville, PA) would then hit a RBI single through the left side to bring home Jones and make the score 5-2.

In the sixth inning, senior Kiana Peterson (Willingboro, NJ) reached base on a fielding error by the Spartans to start the inning. Two batters later, Goodman hit a double to the right center gap and Peterson came around from first to score.

After five and a half innings, Maryland Eastern Shore trailed 5-3. Norfolk State would respond in the bottom of the sixth with two runs to take a 7-3 lead. The Spartans held the Hawks scoreless in the seventh to win 7-3 and complete the series sweep.

Goodman had a career high three hits in the game after going 3-3 with a run scored and a RBI. Jones went 2-4 with a run scored and Gingrich went 1-2 with a walk and a RBI.

The Shore will now face Coppin State next weekend (April 6-7) for another three game series against a conference opponent.

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