WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Hampton University softball team put up 13 runs in five innings on Sunday, closing out a three-game sweep of rival Howard with a 13-1 victory.
 
The Lady Pirates improved to 8-13 overall and 3-0 in MEAC play.
 
Hampton struck first in the top of the first inning, pushing across three runs. With the bases loaded, Allyson Babinsack walked to bring in the first run, before RBI singles from Ashley Grassini and Morgan Crawford put the Lady Pirates up 3-0.
 
The Lady Pirates then broke the game open in the second inning, thanks to five runs in the frame. Quierra Bradford kicked off that scoring run with a two-run triple, before scoring herself on a wild pitch to give Hampton a 6-0 lead.
 
Brianna Anderson followed with a two-run single to grow the lead to 8-0.
 
Alana Vanderburg scored in an eventful third inning; after singling to reach base, she stole second before advancing to third when Bradford reached on an error. Bradford was then picked off at first, but Vandeburg scored on the play to put Hampton up 9-0.
 
Howard pushed across a run in the bottom of the fourth to cut the lead to 9-1.
 
Vandenburg hit her first home run of the season with one out in the top of the fifth, putting Hampton up 10-1, before Bradford singled and Babinsack followed with a two-run shot – her second of the season and in as many days.
 
Anderson then tripled home the final run of the game.
 
Grassini and Anderson each had three of Hampton's 13 hits, and Anderson had a team-high three RBIs. Bradford and Babinsack each had two RBIs.
 
Babinsack also picked up her fifth win of the season, striking out three.
 
The Lady Pirates will be in Lynchburg, Va. on Tuesday for a non-conference doubleheader against Liberty. For more information on Hampton University softball, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5757, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.