Morgan Green
Markus Taft Photography 2023
1
Md. Eastern Shore UMES 13-29
2
Winner N.C. Central NCCU 16-32
Md. Eastern Shore UMES
13-29
1
Final
2
N.C. Central NCCU
16-32
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Md. Eastern Shore UMES 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8 0
N.C. Central NCCU 0 0 0 2 0 0 X 2 6 0

W: Davis, Jaden (9-13) L: Katelyn Smitchko (6-15)

Game Recap: Softball |

NCCU Clips UMES, 2-1, in MEAC Softball Championship Opener

NORFOLK, Va. – Sophomore pitcher Jaden Davis only allowed one run in a complete-game victory and she scored the game-winning run for the Eagles as third-seeded North Carolina Central University defeated sixth-seeded University of Maryland Eastern Shore, 2-1, in the opening round of the 2023 MEAC Softball Championship on Wednesday afternoon at the NSU Softball Field.
 
The Eagles will quickly turn around and play second-seeded host Norfolk State University in their second game on day one of the double-elimination tournament. The Eagles and Spartans are scheduled to begin play on Wednesday at 6 p.m., with the winner moving just one other win away from an appearance into Saturday's championship game(s).
 
NC Central (16-32) has now knocked off UMES (13-29) in the opening round of the MEAC Softball Championship for a second consecutive year. The Eagles, who appeared in the championship game just two seasons ago, has now won at least one postseason game in all three seasons under the leadership of the 2023 MEAC Coach of the Year Cat Tarvin.
 
The Hawks jumped out early, scoring their only run in the top of first on the strength of three singles.
 
The Eagles rallied ahead with two runs in the home half of the fourth inning. Freshman Takia Nichols drew a walk to start the frame and sophomore Jaden Davis followed with a one-out infield single. Junior Morgan Green then knocked in NCCU's first run to tie the game with a double to center field that scored sophomore pinch runner Kia Borum. One batter later, junior Ivory Jones put the Eagles in front with a sacrifice fly that allowed Davis to tag up from third base and score the go-ahead run.
 
Eastern Shore had a few chances to level the score, but Davis pitched her way out of a few stressful situations as the Hawks left eight runners on base. Davis, who was named to the All-MEAC Second Team on Tuesday, picked up her ninth win of the season, allowing just one run over her seven innings of work with three strikeouts.
 
Sophomore Jai'lyn Edwards paced the maroon and gray with two hits.
 
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com, or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.
 
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