CLEARWATER, Fla. – North Carolina Central took Eastern Kentucky to the wire before falling 3-1 in the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic at the Eddie C. Moore Complex on Saturday.

The Eagles bounced back from an 8-0 loss in five innings to Notre Dame earlier in the day. A gritty effort in the second game almost led to their first victory of the season.

NCCU-Eastern Kentucky
The score was tied 1-1 in the second inning after NCCU's Hannah McGonigle smacked a single to score Kendal Daniels, who reached base on a single. It stayed that way until Eastern Kentucky scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.

The Eagles (0-4) threatened in the top of the seventh inning. Runners were on first and second with no outs after an Eastern Kentucky error and a walk. However, the Colonels snuffed a potential Eagles' rally with three consecutive strikeouts to end the game.

NCCU held Eastern Kentucky (1-3) to one run until the sixth inning despite being outhit 10-5. Starting pitcher Madeline Janssen scattered six hits and recorded four strikeouts in 4.2 innings. Relief pitcher Simone Mack, who took the loss, gave up two runs but got out of a bases-loaded jam with one out in the sixth to prevent more runs.

NCCU-Notre Dame
The Eagles limited Notre Dame to three runs in the first four innings. Notre Dame (1-2) exploded for five runs in the fifth inning for the victory. Highlights for the Eagles were Daiyah Bailey and Cameron Frye, who each recorded a stolen base for the Eagles, who were outhit 10-0.

NEXT UP
The Eagles conclude the NFCA Leadoff Classic against South Alabama on Sunday at 10 a.m. Follow the action via live stats and livestream (GameChanger) on nccueaglepride.com.