(Greenville, N.C.) – The Delaware State softball team (0-5) wrapped up its opening weekend Sunday afternoon with a 12-0 five-inning loss to the Oakland Grizzlies (2-2) to conclude Eastern Carolina's Pirate Classic.

The first inning for DSU was a rough one, committing three out of its five errors on the afternoon, resulting in the Grizzlies taking a 2-0 lead.  During the fourth, same score, Oakland opened the game up scoring seven runs on five hits, headlined by Sarah Hartley and Julia Morales driving in two runs each with a single.  OU later scored three runs in the fifth to put the game out of reach, capped off by a two-run Sara Cupp RBI-single up the middle. 

Picking up the shutout victory was Erin Kownacki allowing five hits, two walks and fanning five, whereas DSU's Jessica Shalongo (0-1) surrendered six hits, five earned runs and four walks in three innings of work.  Offensively, the Hornets were led by freshman Vanessa Washington going 2-for-3, while OU's Jackie Kisman went 2-for-3 and scored three runs.  

Coming up, the Columbia Blue & Red will head to Durham, N.C. this weekend to take part in the Eagle Challenge, hosted by MEAC foe North Carolina Central.  Along with NCCU, Delaware State will face Canisius, Omaha and Virginia.

*Note: Vanessa Washington earned All-Tournament Team honors.