Virginia Beach, VA—The SC State women's softball team defeated Howard University, 3-2, on the first day of the Lady Pirates Softball Classic. The tournament, which is hosted by Hampton University, will continue through Sunday.
After a single by freshman Samantha Cain in the top of the first, senior Emerald Freeman reached base on an error by Howard's left fielder that allowed Cain to score SC State's first run of the game. Junior Channell Thompson reached base off a hit-by-pitch and later got caught in a run-down trying to steal second that allowed Freeman to score the Lady Bulldogs (3-11) second run of the game.
SC State's two-run lead was brief as an error by Freeman allowed Howard's Courtney Young to reach base in the bottom of the first. The Lady Bison Rebecca Kirshner hit a home-run that tied the game at two by the end of the first.
The score remained tied through the next six innings until a single by SC State's freshman Kimberlee Pereira in the top of the seventh bought home Thompson who reached base via a walk. SC State held Howard scoreless in its half of the seventh inning to secure the one run victory.
Freshman Raven Johnson (2-2) picked up the victory and Pereira picked up the save in for SC State while Christina McCoy was the losing pitcher for Howard.
The Lady Bulldogs will open day two of the tournament against host Hampton University at 12 noon Saturday.
Note: Due to field conditions on Friday, the Lady Bulldogs game versus host Hampton has been moved to Saturday at 12 noon.
