DOVER (April 28, 2009) ? A combination of poor pitching and a lack of offense led the Delaware State Softball Team (21-18, 7-4 MEAC) to drop a doubleheader to the Howard Bison, today, in Washington, D.C.

The Hornets jumped out to a 5-0 lead in Game One, scoring one run in the first inning and four in the sixth inning.  Senior Megan Lambertz singled to center to drive in one to help DSU stretch the lead.

Brittney Ruark, the reigning MEAC Pitcher of the Week started the opener and only scattered a few hits until the sixth inning when she allowed six runs including a two-run homerun by Nicole Saez.  She picked up her ninth loss of the season.

Freshman Casey Beighly entered in relief and allowed two more runs to give the Bison the 8-5 win. 

In Game Two, the bats fell silent as the Hornets only mustered one run while the Howard bats came alive.  The Bison scored three times in the first inning to take the early 3-0 lead. 

Beighly started for the Hornets on the mound and allowed two more runs into the sixth inning when Lambertz entered in relief and gave up an additional run on a sacrifice fly to allow Howard the 6-1 win and the sweep.

Beighly got the loss allowing the five runs on 12 hits.

DSU will look to bounce back as they travel to College Park, Md., to take on Maryland for a non-conference doubleheader.  First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.