Newark, Del. (Apr. 11, 2023) --- The visiting Delaware State softball team put up a tough fight, but came up short, falling to Delaware 5-3 this afternoon. The Hornets (6-23) scored first and outhit the Hens 7-6 in the game, but left eight runners on  base in the seven-inning contest.
Delaware State opened the scoring with a run in the top of the second inning. Julianna Cerron singled to lead off the inning and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Cerron was still on second with two out when Britney Phally singled down the left  field line to drive her home with the game's first run. The Hornets, however, left two runners on base when the inning ended.
Delaware State was still ahead 1-0 when the Hens put two on the board in the bottom of the third, and stretched their lead to 4-1 after adding two more in the fourth.
The Hornets answered with two runs in the top of the fifth inning to pull to within a run. Destiny Beckham walked to lead off the DSU fifth and advanced to second when Phally followed with a bunt single. The Hornets loaded the bases without recording an out when Felicity Munoz followed with another bunt single. The bases were still full when Beckham scored on a wild pitch. Phally later crossed the plate on a Delaware error to cut the Hens' lead to 4-3.
Delaware responded with a run in the bottom of the fifth to again open up a two-run lead.
The Hornets threatened by putting their first two runners on base in the top of the seventh, but failed to score. Munoz singled to lead off the seventh and moved to third Uxua Lopez followed with a double. Delaware retired the next three batters in order to put down the threat and end the game.
Munoz was three for four at the plate, while Phally had two hits in three at bats for the Hornets.
Delaware State returns to action with doubleheader at home against Lincoln (Pa.) on Thursday (Apr. 13_. Game one is set for 1:30 p.m.