BALTIMORE – Seryna Esparza and
Manaia Fonoti homered while
Vanessa Carrizosa did not allow an earned run as Coppin State's softball team defeated Howard, 6-1 on Thursday afternoon at CSU Softball Complex. After splitting the doubleheader with the Bison on March 26, the Eagles took the season series against the defending MEAC Champions.
Both Esparza and Fonoti had a pair of hits on the day with Fonoti scoring three runs and Esparza twice. Esparza also drove in a pair of runs while
Brissa Alvarado and
Aniyah Haley had a base hit and a walk apiece.
Carrizosa went the distance from the circle, allowing no earned runs on just four hits while striking out one.
Coppin struck for three runs in the first inning to take a 3-0 lead with the opening run coming on a four-pitch bases loaded walk to Haley. Scoring on the play was Fonoti who doubled to left on the first pitch she saw. Fonoti got to third after a single by Esparza and a free pass to Alvarado.
Following Haley's RBI,
Dillon Morgan reached on an error with two outs which allowed both Esparza and Alvarado to score.
An error with two outs allowed Howard to get on the board in the second, but Esparza helped get that run back and added another with a lined shot over the fence in right field for her second home run of the season.
Leading, 5-1, Carrizosa retired the next five batters she faced before Fonoti connected for her first career home run into the netting in left field, extending the advantage to 6-1.
Carrizosa did not allow a hit over the final three innings as Coppin picked up the big MEAC win.
The Eagles return to the field on April 15-16 for a pivotal three-game MEAC series at Delaware State. Saturday's doubleheader is set for 1 pm followed by a 12 pm first pitch on Sunday.
