DOVER, Del. — A fast start wasn't enough for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore on Sunday, as the Hawks saw an early lead slip away in a 4-5 loss to Delaware State to close out the 2025 season.

The Score
Delaware State (25-21, MEAC 12-9) - 5
Maryland Eastern Shore (6-38, MEAC 2-18) - 4

How it Happened 
The Hawks jumped ahead with two quick runs in the first inning. Junior Jaycee Holt led off with a single, stole second, and came around to score on a double to center field by freshman Araceli Manzo. Freshman Clarke Calvin followed with an RBI single to right field to make it 2-0.

Manzo continued her strong day at the plate, finishing 4-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Calvin added two hits and an RBI.

After Delaware State cut the lead in half in the bottom of the first, the Hawks pushed it back to a two-run cushion in the second. Freshman Kai Hudson reached on an error and later scored on a miscue in left field to make it 3-1. UMES added another run in the fourth when freshman Makalah Clark grounded out to short, scoring sophomore Paris Richards from third.

Despite the early momentum, the Hornets capitalized on defensive mistakes to rally in the fourth, scoring four runs to take a 5-4 lead. UMES left four runners on base after scoring its final run in the fourth inning and could not push across the tying run. The Hawks totaled 10 hits but stranded eight runners in the loss.

By the Numbers 

• Araceli Manzo's four hits marked a game-high for the Hawks this season. The Helendale, California, native tallied 12 hits over the final seven games of the year.
• Jaycee Holt's stolen base propelled her to 28 for the season, the most in the MEAC. It marks the second straight year Holt has led the conference in stolen bases.
• Paris Richards recorded her first multi-hit game of the season, finishing with two hits. She also scored her first run of the year, maneuvering the basepaths before coming home on a groundout by freshman Makalah Clark.

Quotes from Head Coach Aaron Robinson
Coach Robinson on the final series  
Yeah, just honestly wanted to get to the point that we played a complete, together experience — especially what we did in our last game. Obviously being the last game for the seniors, it came down to McKenzie. She's been in the batter's box for four years, and that's what happens — she had that spot. I know she gave everything she had. Camille right before that threw a great game, making sure that we had control and jumped out early — and when we can do that, I'm proud of them for that. I'm proud of them for not giving up, fighting to the last opportunity.

Coach Robinson on the production from the bottom of the lineup
Yeah, no — they definitely came around. Paris was able to get an opportunity to swing the bat. She was willing to do whatever she could and just kind of let it go and get out there. And she did that — playing first base, having two hits, keeping that cycle going, building on each other. I think it helped us throughout the game.
Kai — you know, she just needs an opportunity. Definitely always needs to believe in herself because she can do it.  We wanted some of those things to happen earlier, so we could get that feel a little sooner, but she definitely contributed.
And Araceli — I think she had multiple hits, she got after it. Today we were trying to manufacture runs as much as possible, even while manufacturing outs. We got some close calls, we got called out, but they definitely did some good things after mistakes. That's just the way it goes — we controlled what we could. And as long as we do that, we can feel good leaving the field knowing we gave it everything.

Coach Robinson on Kamille Trammell's final at-bat and progression 
That was one of the biggest moments for her — getting to shine in her home state, in front of some of her former teammates and family.
Yeah, she did exactly what she's always done — she stepped up. That's the most I've seen her really seize her opportunity. Her last at-bat, she hit a double. And just wanted to make sure everyone was comfortable and confident.
I told them in the huddle after the game: this was a true "coming of age" moment for a lot of them. A lot of people had to step into different roles, and honestly by the end of the season, we were content with how everyone stepped up when needed.

Coach Robinson on the seniors impact this season
Yeah — four years of hard energy, leadership, high academics, support. They definitely had very high IQs in different ways, and they helped mold some of our younger players who needed that leadership and mentorship.
They definitely left their mark. You could feel it. They were great players to have — willing to do whatever needed to be done, playing different positions — DP, second, wherever. They were open to it. I'm very proud of them and everything they contributed the last four years. It definitely will last.

Coach Robinson on the next steps for UMES Softball 
We just work, work, work, work. First, healing — from any injuries, and mentally and physically. Then really building confidence about what we want to do.
Setting summer goals, fall goals, preseason goals, spring goals for next year — really being intentional about everything. I think it will materialize. They now know what to expect. They know what it feels like to be in close games, to not pull them out, and what it takes to see it through and win. It's time to turn it on and leave no doubt.


Stay updated with UMES softball at UMESHawkSports.com and follow along on Twitter (@UMEShawksSB) and Instagram (@umeshawkssb).