HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University softball team lost 12-4 to Manhattan College in five innings on Saturday as part of the Hampton Invitational at the Lady Pirates Softball Stadium.
 
The Lady Pirates are now 4-5 on the season.
 
Hampton jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning; after senior Diamond Ponds led off with a single, she advanced to third on a base hit from junior Kayla DeSchepper. Senior Taylor McCoy then doubled down the right field line to bring in Ponds, before DeSchepper scored on a wild pitch.
 
After Manhattan scored in the top of the second, the Lady Pirates then picked up two more runs in the bottom of the frame. Junior Danielle Budden walked with one out in the inning, before stealing second base and later scoring on an errant throw. Ponds reached on the same play, advancing to second and later scoring when McCoy reached on an error.
 
Hampton led 4-1 after two innings.
 
But Manhattan answered with an eight-run third inning – a frame that saw Jenn Vazquez hit a three-run home run and Lauren Pitney hit a grand slam to left field – to take an 8-4 lead. The Jaspers then added three runs in the fourth to go up 12-4.
 
Ponds, DeSchepper, McCoy, and freshman Kial Watts each had a hit for the Lady Pirates. McCoy had both of Hampton's RBIs.
 
Sophomore Allyson Babinsack struck out four in 2.2 innings of work in the circle.
 
The Hampton Invitational will wrap up on Sunday, as Hampton faces Manhattan at 11 a.m. and Drexel 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.