Box Scores: Game 1 | Game 2

HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University softball team dropped both games of its doubleheader against the University of Virginia on Wednesday, falling 5-0 in the first game before losing the second game 5-3 in extra innings at Lady Pirates Field.

The Cavaliers struck first in the third inning of the first game, scoring two runs after an RBI single from Lauren McCaskey and Giannina Cipolloni brought in another run with a sacrifice fly. Virginia then scored twice more in the top of the fifth inning, after a fielding error and an RBI triple by Nicole Koren.

An RBI double from Abby Snyder in the top of the sixth pushed the first game to its final 5-0 margin.

Melanie Mitchell went the distance for the Cavaliers in picking up her 19th win of the season. She struck out 13 batters while only giving up two hits.

Carla Trimble (Riverside, Calif.) and Sharde' Estep (Aquasco, Md.) each had a hit for the Lady Pirates (18-26).

The Lady Pirates struck quickly in the second game, scoring a run in the bottom of the first inning on an RBI single from Adrianna Scott (Laurel, Md.). The game morphed into a pitchers' duel from there, with Travonna Byrd (Newport News, Va.) and Stephanie Coates combining to pitch five scoreless innings.

Virginia (25-17) tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the seventh inning, thanks to an RBI single from Kristen Hawkins. Koren then hit a two-run home run to left field in the top of the eighth inning to give the Cavaliers a 3-1 lead.

Hampton would answer in the bottom of the inning, when Brooke Boykin (Riverside, Calif.) scored on an error and Tamara Vickers (Lawndale, Calif.) drove home another run with a single to tie the game at 3-3.

The Cavaliers scored twice more in the top of the ninth, when Tacke and Cipolloni each scored on a wild pitch.

Coates went the distance in picking up her first win of the season, striking out six and giving up five hits.

Byrd also went nine innings, striking out three and giving up just five hits in regulation. Vickers and Scott each went 2-for-4 at the plate for the Lady Pirates.

The Lady Pirates will return to action on Friday, when they take on Longwood in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. at Lady Pirates Field. Friday will be Going Pink Day, as the Lady Pirates do their part to raise awareness for breast cancer.

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.