Dover, Del. (Feb. 23, 2023) --- The Delaware State softball team opened it 2023 home schedule with a doubleheader loss to Quinnipiac (Conn.) today. The Hornets dropped the first game 2-0 in 8 innings, and suffered a 9-0 five-inning loss in game two. In the opener, Delaware State starter Sydney Hoffman and Quinnipiac's Sydney Horan battled for seven scoreless innings before the Bobcats broke through with two runs in the top of the eighth. Natalia Apatiga doubled in the first run of the game and Amanda Engel drove in the second run on a sacrifice fly for the Bobcats. Horan held the Hornets to just three hits, singles by Uxua Lopez, Julianna Cerron and Emma Glawson, while striking out eight without allowing a walk. Hoffman allowed just three hits by the Bobcats in suffering the loss.
In the nightcap, Quinnipiac started quickly, scoring four runs in the first inning and a run in the second to open  up a 5-0 lead. Layla Pascual was three-for-four with three runs batted in, and Brooke Hilliard drove in two runs to lead the Bobcats' 10-hit attack. Lopez had two of Delaware State's five hits, while Kayla Lester had a fifth inning triple in game two.
The Hornets are back in action at home on Friday (Feb. 24) with doubleheader against Hartford. Game one is et for 1:30 p.m.