NORFOLK, VA – The Hampton Lady Pirates opened their 2022 season with a split in the first day of the Hampton-NSU Classic as they defeated rival Norfolk State 4-1 Saturday.
 
Emily Workman (W, 1-0) tosses a complete game, allowing just one earned run and four hits.
 
Both Hampton and Norfolk State were held scoreless through the first two innings of play. However, in the bottom of the third, Norfolk State would single to left field, bringing around the runner from second, and take a 1-0 lead.
 
The Pirates responded back in the top of the fourth after Samyah Richardson doubled to right center field bringing home Emily Kepple, who reached via fielder's choice earlier in the inning.
 
Both teams remained scoreless until the tie was broken by Hampton in the top of the seventh inning. The Pirates worked the bases loaded, the took the lead 2-1 after two runners advanced and one scored via a wild pitch by the Spartans. The next at-bat saw Kiaya Jeusi single down the left field line, bringing around two more runs and extend the Pirates lead to 4-1, giving them the win.
 
In game two on the day, Hartford hit three home runs off Hampton pitching to score a 6-1 win.  The Lady Pirates scored a run in the third as Mo'ne Davis doubled and scored on a single by Tiera Washington.
 
Hampton will take on the same two teams on Sunday with a rematch against Hartford at 9 am and then facing Norfolk State at 11:00 a.m.