SUMMARY  
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore softball team swept Niagara in a doubleheader, earning a 4–1 victory in Game 1 before a 9–4 win in the nightcap.

In Game 1, Jada Lacey recorded a double while Kinsey Mentzer, Clarke Calvin, Gabriella Beltran and Lacey each stole a base. Chloe Weber, Lola Meyer and Calvin plated runs to lead the Hawks past the Purple Eagles. Dani Brown started in the circle for UMES, tossing three scoreless innings while allowing two hits and one walk with one strikeout. UMES' pitching staff combined for six scoreless innings before Niagara scored in the seventh.

In Game 2, Skylar Skinner and Meyer paced the Hawks with two hits apiece. Mentzer, Calvin, Emily Gunther and Makalah Clark each stole a base in the victory.

THE SCORE 
Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (7–16, 1–2 MEAC) — 4
Niagara (0–9, 0-3 MAAC) —  1

Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (8–16, 1–2 MEAC) — 9
Niagara (0-10, 0-3 MAAC) —  4

HOW IT HAPPENED 
GAME ONE

UMES broke through in the bottom of the fourth inning, scoring two runs. Jada Lacey led off with a double to left-center field and advanced to third on a stolen base. Kinsey Mentzer followed with a walk and stole second, allowing Lacey to score and give the Hawks a 1–0 lead.

Clarke Calvin then singled to center field, moving Mentzer to third, and later stole second to put two runners in scoring position. Lola Meyer delivered a sacrifice fly to left field, bringing Mentzer home to extend the lead to 2–0.

UMES added to its advantage in the bottom of the sixth inning, scoring two more runs. Amaya Nunez led off with a single to left-center field before Kinsey Mentzer followed with a single. Nunez was thrown out at third on the play, but Mentzer advanced and later moved to third on a wild pitch.

Clarke Calvin then reached on a fielder's choice, allowing Mentzer to score and extend the lead to 3–0. After a walk to Lola Meyer, Chloe Weber delivered an RBI single through the right side, bringing Calvin home to make it 4–0.

Niagara threatened in the top of the seventh inning, scoring one run. A leadoff double to right-center field put a runner in scoring position, and a second double brought the run home to cut the deficit to 4–1. A walk followed to place another runner on base, prompting a pitching change for the Hawks.

UMES settled in defensively from there, recording back-to-back popups and a flyout to center field to end the game and secure the victory.

GAME TWO
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore softball team defeated Niagara 9–4 in the nightcap of Wednesday's doubleheader, overcoming a late rally by the Purple Eagles.

Skylar Skinner led off with a single before Kinsey Mentzer followed with a double to center field, putting runners on second and third. Clarke Calvin then lifted a sacrifice fly to center field, allowing Skinner to score and give the Hawks a 1–0 lead.

Lola Meyer added another sacrifice fly, bringing Mentzer home to extend the advantage to 2–0. UMES continued to threaten with a single and a reach on error, but a groundout ended the inning.

Niagara got on the board in the top of the second inning, cutting into UMES' early lead. After a leadoff single and a double to left field put runners on second and third, the Purple Eagles plated a run on a groundout to shortstop to make it 2–1. UMES limited further damage as the next two batters were retired on a lineout and a groundout.

UMES answered in the bottom of the second inning with a two-run frame to extend its lead. After a groundout to open the inning, Paige Perkins drew a walk and moved into scoring position on a wild pitch. Skylar Skinner followed with a single through the left side, putting runners on the corners with one out. Following a popup for the second out, Clarke Calvin delivered with a double to left-center field, driving in both runners to push the Hawks' advantage to 4–1.

Niagara battled back in the top of the fifth inning, scoring three runs to even the game at 4–4. A walk and a wild pitch put a runner in scoring position before an RBI single cut into the deficit. Another RBI single brought the game within one, and a UMES error allowed Niagara to tie the contest.

UMES responded immediately in the bottom half with a four-run inning to regain control. Kinsey Mentzer and Clarke Calvin each drew walks and executed a double steal before Lola Meyer delivered a two-run double down the left-field line to put the Hawks back in front, 6–4.

The Hawks continued to apply pressure with back-to-back walks to load the bases. Ryleigh Lilly drew a walk to bring in another run, and Amaya Nunez followed with an RBI walk to extend the lead to 8–4.

UMES kept Niagara off the board in the top of the sixth, using a flyout, a strikeout and another flyout to maintain the lead.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Hawks added an insurance run. Lola Meyer singled to start the inning and later scored on an RBI single up the middle by Dani Brown, extending the advantage to 9–4 and securing the victory.


BY THE NUMBERS
Thursday's twinbill sweep marks the Hawks' third of the season.

Today marks the fifth game this season where the Hawks have threatened the basepaths with four stolen bases.

Clarke Calvin's three RBI in Game 2 marks a season-high for the sophomore.

Lola Meyer extended her season total to six doubles.

Dani Brown is on her seventh straight game allowing no more than three hits and two earned runs.

NEXT UP 
UMES softball will host Norfolk State on Saturday, March 21, at 1 and 3 p.m.