SUMMARY  

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore fell to Norfolk State, 5–4, to conclude its second Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference series of the season.

UMES put itself in position late, placing runners on first and second in the bottom of the seventh, but was unable to force extra innings or secure a walk-off victory.

Araceli Manzo led the Hawks with two hits, while Clarke Calvin hit the first home run of her UMES career.

THE SCORE 

Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (8–19, 1–5 MEAC) — 4
Norfolk State (13-10, 5-1 MEAC) —  5

HOW IT HAPPENED 

After holding Norfolk State to one hit in the top of the first inning, UMES struck early in the bottom half with two runs to take the lead.
Jada Lacey worked a walk and stole second to move into scoring position before Emily Gunther delivered an RBI double to right-center field to give the Hawks a 1–0 advantage. Later in the inning, Paris Richards added an RBI double to right field to score Gunther and extend the lead to 2–0.

Norfolk State responded in the second inning with a run on two hits to cut the deficit to 2–1 and added another run in the third to tie the game at 2–2.

UMES answered in the bottom of the third with two runs that proved to be its final scoring of the game. Clarke Calvin launched a solo home run to center field to put the Hawks back in front, 3–2. Paris Richards followed with a walk and Araceli Manzo singled to put two runners on before Kinsey Mentzer entered as a pinch runner. Ryleigh Lilly later delivered an RBI single to center field to score Mentzer and extend the lead to 4–2.

After a scoreless fourth inning for both teams, Norfolk State took control in the fifth. A bunt single and a double put runners in scoring position before a two-RBI double tied the game at 4–4. An RBI single later in the inning gave the Spartans a 5–4 lead.

UMES threatened in the final two innings, leaving four runners on base between the sixth and seventh. In the bottom of the seventh, the Hawks placed runners on first and second but were unable to complete the late rally as Norfolk State secured the final out to close the game.

BY THE NUMBERS

Clarke Calvin's solo home run in the third inning marked the first of her UMES career.

Paris Richards finished the Norfolk State series going 3-for-4 at the plate with one RBI and one double.

Norfolk State extended its all-time series lead to 55–14 with the win.

Araceli Manzo recorded her fifth multi-hit game of the season, going 2-for-4 at the plate.

Emily Gunther continued her strong weekend with a double, one run scored, and one RBI.

NEXT UP 

UMES softball will travel to Hampton for a midweek doubleheader on Tuesday, March 24, scheduled for 12 and 2:30 p.m.