HAMPTON, Va. – Hampton University softball opened its home schedule on Friday with a two-run rally in the bottom of the seventh to defeat Lafayette College 5-4 in the first day of the Hampton Classic.

Hampton trailed 4-0 after the top of the third when the Leopards used home runs from Paige Grover (two-run) and Brooke Wensel (solo) to take the early lead.

The Pirates scratched a run across in the bottom of the third as Taylor Warrick singled and went to second as Cassidy Blackwell was hit by a pitch.  After a fly out, Quierra Bradford singled in Warrick for a 4-1 deficit.

Hampton pushed two more across in the fourth as Brianna Anderson doubled and went to third on a wild pitch before scoring on a Sarah Kollas single.  DaSha Hill pinch-ran for Kollas and stole second before scoring on a Warrick double.

In the bottom of the seventh, Warrick started with a single and went to third on a Blackwell double to left.  Watts then dropped a bunt right in front of the plate and Warrick beat the throw home.  After an intentional walk to load the bases, Morgan Crawford hit a fly ball to center that forced out Watts at second, but allowed pinch-runner Camille King to score the winning run.

Warrick, Blackwell, Watts, and Kollas all had two hits each for Hampton (1-4).  Warrick scored two runs, while Watts, Bradford, Kollas and Warrick each drove in one.  Allyson Babinsack threw the last four innings allowing no hits and one strikeout for the win.

Hampton returns to action at 1:15 pm on Saturday facing Buffalo at the HU Softball Stadium.

For more information on Hampton University softball, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.