Spartanburg, SC- Hampton Softball fell to Upstate in game one of a three-game series on the road Friday evening.
 
The Pirates dipped to a 19-31 overall record, 7-15 in conference action, while Upstate improved to a 43-7 overall, 17-5 in conference play. 
 
Final Score: Hampton 1 – USC Upstate 8
How It Happened: 

• The Pirates got off to a slow start against the number one ranked team in the Big South conference; playing shorthanded Hampton had their hands full trying to battle back from it. 
• Upstate took the early lead, as Price scored their first run off a single to left-center.
• With bases loaded, Upstate scored two more runs off a ground out, and a sacrifice fly to claim a 3-0 lead at the conclusion of the first inning.
• The Pirates suffered three consecutive strikeouts at the top of the second inning and were quickly forced to get back in action on the defensive side.
• Upstate recorded an unearned run after their first batter stole third and advanced home off a bunt, making it a 4-0 Upstate lead.
• Upstate ended the inning with four runs off five hits as the Pirates struggled to find their rhythm on both sides of play. 7-0 Upstate.
• Both teams endured a scoreless third inning.
• Senior Janae Lyles (Waldorf, MD) gave HU their first hit of the game to start the fourth inning, but both teams would endure another scoreless inning in the fourth.
• Senior Emily Kepple (Dayton, OH) hit her first home run off the season at the top of the sixth inning to put the Pirates on the scoreboard, trailing Upstate by six runs.
• Upstate matched Hampton's run with a single run of their own to take an 8-1 lead into the seventh inning and secure the game.

 
On Saturday, April 30, 2022, the Pirates will return to action at noon and 2 PM for doubleheader action at Upstate. 
 
For more information about Hampton University athletics, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com