CARY, N.C. – The North Carolina Central University softball team was only able to score one run on a delayed double steal in an 8-1 non-conference home loss to Siena College on Sunday morning at Thomas Brooks Park.
 
The Saints scored their eight runs on just seven hits, but they were able to take advantage of nine walks to remain undefeated on the season. Siena (5-0) received a strong pitching performance from sophomore Alissa Eimont (1-0), who only allowed one run on four hits while striking out 11 in the complete-game triumph.
 
Trailing 5-nil at the midway point, NCCU (0-5) was able to plate its lone run in the bottom of the fourth on a double steal by freshman Makiya Graves and junior Ivory Jones.
 
Jones was hit by a pitch to start the frame and then she advanced to third on a single by Graves. One batter later, Graves successfully swiped second while drawing a throw that sent Jones home for the run-scoring theft.
 
Jones now leads the maroon and gray with four runs scored on the season.
 
Senior Ava Fitzmaurice highlighted the offensive play for the Saints with two hits, including an inside-the-park home run and a double, to go along with a a stolen base and three runs scored.
 
Siena scored in five different innings.
 
Graves, junior Imara Harrell, sophomore Jaden Davis and sophomore Jai'lyn Edwards accounted for NCCU's four hits – all singles.
 
NC Central will next play at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on Tuesday at 5 p.m.
 
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