Coppin State University’s softball team swept a doubleheader against Norfolk State on April 11 at the CSU Softball Complex, extending its winning streak to five games. The Eagles won the first game 16-0 and rallied for an 11-9 victory in the second, improving their record to 7-17 overall and 6-8 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
The sweep was significant as it kept Coppin State in contention for a spot in the MEAC Tournament. Before play began, Coppin State recognized its four seniors—Natasha Arroyo, Aniyah Haley, Xzylia Maravilla, and Brooklyn Tapusoa—along with Norfolk State senior Maya Johnson.
In game one, Coppin scored a season-high 16 runs on as many hits over five innings. Debra Hyde pitched a one-hit shutout with two strikeouts and retired ten consecutive batters during her outing. Leslie Sereno led offensively by going three-for-three with five runs batted in. Giselle Ulloa added three hits and two RBI while Arroyo drove in four runs among five other players who had two hits each.
The Eagles started strong with a four-run first inning highlighted by base hits from Emily Quintero, Ulloa, Tapusoa, Sereno, and Arroyo. They added five more runs in the second inning before putting away the game with seven runs in the fourth frame.
In game two, Coppin overcame deficits of 4-0 and later 8-5 to secure an 11-9 win. Sondra Berry went four-for-four at bat with three RBI while Sereno contributed another two hits and two RBI. Every player recorded at least one hit during this matchup. After Hyde allowed four early runs pitching just one inning, Brooklyn Lee-Scott finished out six innings allowing five more but striking out four batters.
Looking ahead, Coppin State will aim to complete a three-game sweep of Norfolk State when they meet again at noon on Sunday.
