HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University softball team split a home doubleheader with Norfolk State on Thursday, losing the first game 5-4 in eight innings before winning the second game 10-6.

Rebecca Barnes belted a two-run home run in the top of the eighth inning to give Norfolk State a 5-3 lead. The Lady Pirates (7-10) scored a run in the bottom of the inning when Sharde' Estep (Aquasco, Md.) hit an RBI double, but Norfolk State killed the rally shortly after.

Evelyn Garcia (Poquoson, VA) gave Hampton a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning, leading off with a home run to center field, but the Lady Spartans answered with three runs in the top of the third inning. The Lady Pirates scored twice in the fourth inning to tie the game at three apiece.

Amanda Black (Hamilton, Ontario) went seven innings in the loss, striking out four.

Already up 3-0 in the third inning of the second game, the Lady Pirates put up five runs in the frame. Black hit a three-run home run to center field to highlight the inning.

Hampton added two more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Ashley Weissenbach (Moreno Valley, CA) went the distance in the win, striking out five.

The Lady Pirates will return to action Saturday and Sunday, when they travel to Baltimore to take on Maryland-Baltimore County. 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.