TOWSON, Md. — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore came out strong in a competitive midweek matchup against Towson, tallying five runs and nine hits before narrowly falling 7-5 on Tuesday evening.

The Score
Towson University - 7
Maryland Eastern Shore (1-10, MEAC 0-0) - 5

How It Happened

The Hawks came prepared to face Towson, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning. Clarke Calvin, who led UMES in hits and RBIs, singled up the middle to drive in Jaycee Holt. Holt had reached base with a single and stole second to move into scoring position. Ella Falcetti followed with an RBI single to left field, bringing home Calvin. The final run of the inning came when McKenzie Abiley drew a bases-loaded walk, allowing Araceli Manzo to cross the plate.

UMES' defense held strong through two innings until Towson broke through with four runs in the bottom of the third. The Maroon and Gray responded in the top of the fourth, adding two runs to retake the lead. Makalah Clark singled and picked up an RBI, driving in Takiah Landes. Calvin then secured her final RBI of the afternoon with a single back up the middle, bringing Clark home to give the Hawks a 5-4 advantage.

Towson answered in the bottom of the fourth, plating two runs while leaving one stranded. The Tigers added another run in the final frames to pull ahead and secure a 7-5 victory.

By the Numbers

• Clarke Calvin recorded a season-high three hits and two RBIs against Towson.
• Jaycee Holt swiped two bases, marking her third game this season with multiple steals. She now has 52 career stolen bases.
• Feb. 25 MEAC Rookie of the Week Araceli Manzo matched her season high with eight putouts against Towson.
• Paige Perkins showcased her talent behind the plate, throwing out a runner in the bottom of the first inning. It was Perkins' second time this season throwing out a runner.
• Ella Falcetti finished the day with two hits, leading the team with a .364 batting average.

Comments from Head Coach Aaron Robinson
Thoughts on the overall performance from the Hawks against Towson
"Oh, we did great. The bats came alive, and defensively, we manufactured outs. That's one of our staples this season—making sure that when the ball is in play, whether in the air or on the ground, we get outs.

"We had fun, which is really important. We were aggressive on the bases and played Hawks softball the way I know we can. I'm really excited to keep building bricks, building our house in Hawkville, and strengthening the nest."

On the freshman making an early impact
"Oh, absolutely. Like I've said, they've been putting in extra time—just like the whole team—but especially our younger players. They're realizing they are in control of their experience, and they're taking accountability for their time.

"They're coming in early in the mornings, getting extra reps, taking extra swings, and working with all the different coaches. So I knew their breakout moment was coming soon. I'm glad it's happening now so we can continue building momentum and be ready to peak when it's MEAC time."

Looking ahead to the Golden Eagle Classic  
"It's going to be very similar. Most of the teams we're playing this year are in transition, whether with new players, new coaches, or rebuilding their programs. That gives us a lot of opportunities.

"I know some of our younger players have former teammates at North Dakota State, so I'm excited to see how they match up. But overall, we're doing what we need to do—finding our rhythm in our positions, being 'the one' in our roles, and coming together as a team. When we do that, we can be the one wherever we need to be on the field."

Next Up
The Hawks take a trip to Hattiesburg, Miss., for the Golden Eagle Classic on Friday, March 7.