GREENSBORO – The Lady Eagles dropped a pair of games in their season opener to Maryland Eastern Shore (10-3) and North Carolina A&T (6-1) on Friday, February 12
th in the North Carolina A&T Softball Tournament.
In their season opener against UMES, Coppin State had nine hits against the Hawks and scored runs in the second and seventh innings. UMES took an early 6-0 lead after the top of the second inning. Coppin State freshmen infielder
Hatika James drew a walk and then stole second base advancing in scoring position. Freshmen
Megan Narvaez singled to shortstop as the UMES defense committed a throwing error scoring James from third base.
UMES extended their lead to 7-1 in the fourth inning and then added on three more runs at the top of the seventh inning. The Lady Eagles trailed UMES 10-1 heading into the final inning. Coppin State squeezed out two runs on four hits behind a two RBI single by James. She singled down the left field line scoring senior catcher
Shelby Mendoza and freshmen infielder
Haley Hayes.
The Lady Eagles got solid pitching from freshmen
Melanie Benge after she was inserted into the lineup during the second inning. Benge struck out two batters in 5.2 innings pitched.
In their later game against North Carolina A&T the Lady Eagles took an early 1-0 lead after the top of the first inning. Senior infielder
Danielle Smith was hit by a pitch and then stole second base. After a sacrifice hit Smith was sent to third base as senior outfielder
Alanna Williams approached the plate.
Williams reached on a fielder's choice RBI as Smith crossed home plate for a Lady Eagles 1-0 lead. North Carolina A&T responded with four runs in the bottom of the first inning and then added on two more in the fourth inning for a 6-1 lead.
Coppin State only had three hits in their second game of the season.
Danielle Smith,
Melanie Benge,
Hatika James each recorded a hit each while freshmen
Cayla Brown and senior
Lauren Rogers drew walks. Benge pitched 3.1 innings striking out two and also walking two batters.
The Lady Eagles suffered a pair of losses on the opening day of the North Carolina A&T Softball Tournament. Coppin State will play both schools on Sunday, February 14
th on the final day of the tournament. UMES is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. and NCA&T is scheduled for 12 p.m.
