NORFOLK - The Lady Eagles had a season-high three doubles in an 11-5, MEAC road loss to Norfolk State University on Friday, March 18
th at the NSU Softball Field.
In the MEAC opener for both squads Coppin State (0-11, 0-1) gave up 13 hits that led to 11 runs by Norfolk State (6-10, 1-0). CSU's senior infielder
Danielle Smith went 2-for-3 at the plate scoring two runs with an RBI. This was her sixth game this season with two or more hits and now has recorded a hit in all 11 games. Â
In the first inning, the Lady Eagles got off to a quick start with Smith scoring on a wild pitch by the Norfolk State defense. CSU's first hit of the game came from freshman pitcher Dakota Gatrell singling through the left side in that inning. Norfolk State trailed 1-0, but came back with five runs on five hits in the bottom of the first inning taking a 5-1 lead.
Coppin State followed with three runs, on two hits and two errors by NSU in the second inning cutting into the deficit. Freshman infielder
Hatika James laid down a sacrifice bunt scoring freshman outfielder
Alisha Esqueda as she advanced into scoring position at third base. Their offense continued to stride as
Danielle Smith hit an RBI double to left field scoring James and then crossed home plate on RBI single to left field by junior infielder
Taylor Haller. After the second inning of play CSU trailed 5-4.
The Lady Spartans added to their lead with two runs in the second, third, and sixth innings. Coppin State failed to score runs but came away with solid attempts at the plate. In the fourth inning
Hatika James led off with a single to right center field and stole a base.
Danielle Smith had her second hit of the night with a shot to right field and also stole a base. Senior catcher
Shelby Mendoza doubled to right field in the sixth inning and freshman
Cayla Brown scored CSU's final run in the seventh inning with and RBI double down the left side bringing home freshman
Melanie Benge.
At the end, Coppin State totaled seven hits in an 11-5 road loss to Norfolk State in the first game of the three game weekend series.
Pitcher Dakota Gatrell tossed 5.2 innings, striking out one batter, and forcing 11 groundouts. Defensively,
Taylor Haller had a game-high five assists with
Haley Hayes recording seven putouts.
The Lady Eagles will play a double header ending the weekend series against the Lady Spartans. Game one begins at 1p.m. on Saturday, March 19
th.
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