HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University softball team split its first home doubleheader Wednesday against George Mason at Lady Pirates Field. The Lady Pirates took the first game 5-3 before losing the second game 7-3.

George Mason had a 2-0 lead in the first game after four and a half innings, thanks to an RBI double from Becky Anderson and a run-scoring single by Alison Bryan.

Freshman Kelsei Saunders (Suffolk, Va.) hit a pair of home runs in the first game to help Hampton come from behind. Her first shot came in the bottom of the fifth inning to get the Lady Pirates on the board. Hampton would plate four runs in that inning, highlighted by a two-run double from Rachel Baylor (Chesterfield, Va.).

Saunders added her second home run, a solo shot to right field, in the bottom of the sixth inning to pull Hampton further ahead.

Amanda Black (Hamilton, Ontario) threw a complete game in picking up her fourth win of the season, giving up eight hits and striking out two.

Hampton (6-9) led the second game 2-1 after three innings, but the Patriots used a five-run fourth inning to take command. Bryan and Kate Bustin hit RBI singles, but the big hit came from a three-run double by Rachael Davies.

Saunders hit her third home run of the day, and fifth of the season, in the bottom of the fifth inning. She went a combined 5-for-6 on the afternoon. Black took the loss after throwing 3.2 innings and striking out one.

The Lady Pirates will return to action on Thursday when they host Norfolk State in a doubleheader. First pitch will be at 1 p.m. For more information on Hampton University softball, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.