NEWARK, Del. – North Carolina A&T ran into some solid pitching over the weekend against the University of Delaware Blue Hens, including Sunday at UD's Diamond Field. The Blue Hens completed their Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) softball sweep of A&T, winning 10-0 in five innings.
The Aggies were held to one hit for the second time in the series, dropping to 9-30 overall and 2-16 in CAA play. Delaware improved to 27-13 overall and 15-3 in the conference. Lillie Scheivert led Delaware as she went 3-for-3. Sydney Shaffer added a 2-for-3 afternoon.
UD took control in the first inning after capitalizing on an error that allowed Chloe Blantz to reach base. Mary Beth Cahalan doubled to left field with two outs, sending Chloe Blantz home for UD's first run. The Blue Hens added to their lead in the home second with five runs on six hits to go ahead 6-0. Katie Scheivert had the big hit in the inning, a two-run double to left field.
A&T was able to get one man on base after an error by third baseman Ellie Talley but couldn't capitalize. UD added four more runs in its third, powered by a two-run home run by Talley. The Blue Hens finished the inning with three doubles to put the game in run-rule territory. The frame ended with a flyout and strikeout by A&T sophomore starter Aaliyah Williams (L, 2-10).
A&T sophomore Jamari Moss walked to get on base to start the fourth. Freshman Tyra Robinson reached on a fielder's choice and shortly after stole second, but A&T could not get her home. A&T attempted to rally in the top of the fifth with a leadoff double to center field by sophomore Trinity Glover, breaking up Billie Kerwood's (W, 16-8) no-hitter.
Sophomore Avery Evans advanced the runner on a ground out to third base. Freshman Lauren Hardy stepped to the plate hoping to get the game beyond the visitor's fifth, but UD's defense got two back-to-back outs to win.
Kerwood pitched four innings, striking out seven and giving up one hit. Williams started in the circle before senior Joey Barkhimer entered the circle in the second inning, throwing 2 2/3 innings and giving up four runs on six hits. Lauren Hardy came to close the game, pitching 1/3 of an inning.
A&T will play five games this week as they return to the Lady Aggies Softball Complex on Wednesday, April 16, for a non-conference doubleheader against Presbyterian College, starting at 1 p.m.
