DURHAM, N.C. – An RBI-double by senior London Booker pulled North Carolina Central University to within one run of visiting Drexel University in the sixth inning but the Lady Eagles were unable to plate another run in a 7-6 non-conference softball loss at Parkwood Field Thursday afternoon.
 
A one-out double by senior Markell Wylie, her third hit of the day, gave NCCU two shots at scoring the tying run with a runner in scoring position in the seventh. However, Drexel junior starter Taylor L. Lee was able to retire the next two batters to end the game.
 
The Dragons improved to 14-9 and the Lady Eagles dipped to 3-25.
 
Drexel grabbed the lead from the onset, scoring five runs in the first by sending 11 batters to the dish and tallying six hits and two walks.
 
NCCU scored twice in the home half of the first and one more time in the third to inch within two at 5-3. Wylie singled and scored both times and senior catcher Casey Hargett supplied a two-run single.
 
The Dragons tacked on their final two runs in the sixth before NCCU started its rally with three runs in the bottom half of the frame. The Lady Eagles took advantage of a couple Drexel errors during the comeback attempt that included a single by senior Kayleigh Brueck, who later scored off Booker's double that was drilled down the right-field line.
 
Booker, who has had very limited plate appearances in her four years at NCCU as a pitcher, earned her first collegiate hit and RBI with her clutch at-bat. Booker also tossed two innings of scoreless relief for the Lady Eagles.
 
Lee (5-3) scattered eight hits over her seven innings of work and only two of her six runs surrendered were earned while striking out five on her way to the win.
 
NCCU next hosts Florida A&M University in its first MEAC weekend series on Friday and Saturday. Fans are encouraged to check the official athletics website at NCCUEaglePride.com for schedule updated in case of inclement weather.