RALEIGH, N.C. - For the first time this season, the Shaw University softball team hosted Elizabeth City State University Tuesday afternoon for a doubleheader at Worthdale Park. The first game ended 4-2 and the second 13-4 in favor of the visiting Lady Vikings. 

The result leaves SU 0-4 overall while ECSU improves to 5-7 on the year.

Sophomore Brianna Smith (Conyers, GA) took the circle for the Lady Bears and pitched two complete games on the day. 

In the first, ECSU wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. The Lady Vikings posted three runs by the third inning taking a 3-0 lead. 

SU took longer to get the bats ringing and advancing runners into scoring position. The sixth inning marked the Lady Bears' first run of the day off of senior Karla Sosa's (Brownsville, TX) inside the park homer cutting the lead to 3-1. However, ECSU would respond well and secure a three-run lead entering the bottom of the seventh. 

The Lady Bears did their best to rally for a win as SU loaded up the bases and looked poised for a comeback but ultimately, ECSU was able to hold ground defensively to secure the 4-2 against Shaw.

Notably, center fielder Destiny Beckham (Stone Mountain, GA) played outstanding, making several acrobatic catches, a true force in the outfield. SU posted 10 hits and five errors throughout the game.

The nightcap followed a similar trend to the first. Again, ECSU jumped out to an early lead and SU found themselves down 9-0 entering the bottom of the fourth inning. 

SU, fatigued, dug deep to score three runs alone in the fourth bringing the score to 9-3. Momentum began to swing in favor of the home side.

Nevertheless, ECSU made sure to close out the game - adding four runs in the top of the sixth in route to a five-run rule. SU was held to just five hits and accounted for three errors in the finale.

Up next, the Lady Bears return to Worthdale Park for another double-header Sunday, Apr. 18 against Claflin (Orangeburg, SC). The first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. 

For the most up-to-date information on Shaw University athletics and its 13 varsity sports teams, please visit shawbears.com.