GAME 1 | Delaware State 6, Bowie State 4

DOVER, Del. -- The Bowie State Bulldogs gave Division I Delaware State all it could handle in a 6-4 loss Wednesday afternoon at the DSU Softball Field. The Bulldogs owned a 4-2 lead after four complete innings but gave up four runs in the fifth that would ultimately give the Lady Hornets the win and 1-0 lead in today's series.

Senior Akirra Pullen (2-3) started and took the loss in the circle for Bowie State (8-7). Sophomore Karen Fritzges was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going 1.2 shutout innings while allowing two hits, walking none and striking out one.

At the plate, the Bulldogs were led by sophomore Brittany Brewer, who went 1-for-2 on the day with a double and two walks. Pullen put together a noteworthy day at the plate as well, going 1-for-3 with an RBI. Freshman Sydney Edmond also contributed for Bowie State, putting together one hit in three trips to the plate while adding an RBI.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bulldogs were trailing 2-0 in the second inning when they first put runs on the board. Freshman Trinity Mizelle came across to score the lone run of the inning for Bowie State and get them on the board.

The Bulldogs kept the deficit at 2-1 before taking the lead in the third. Bowie State brought home a pair, with one run driven in by Edmond's single, which brought the score to 3-2 in favor of the Bulldogs.

Bowie State held Delaware State scoreless before expanding their lead to 4-2 the following inning. The Bulldogs notched a run when Brewer drew a walk from freshman Sydney Hoffman that scored . The Bulldogs were unable to hold the lead, as Delaware State scored four times over the remaining three innings to grab the 6-4 win.

GAME NOTES
» Bowie State's highest scoring inning was the third, when it pushed two runs across.
» Freshman Alaysia Ross stole two bases.
» The Bulldogs stole five bases as a team.
» BSU went 3-for-8 (.375) with runners in scoring position.
» Bowie State pitchers faced 32 Delaware State hitters in the game, allowing eight ground balls and five fly balls while striking out four.
» Brewer led the Bulldogs at the plate, going 1-for-2 with a double.
» Delaware State was led offensively by Chandler Martin, who went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI.
» Hoffman led the Lady Hornets pitching staff, throwing seven innings of four-run ball.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Bowie State will host three straight home doubleheaders beginning Friday, Mar. 17 against Bluefield State at 2 p.m., followed by Chestnut Hill on Saturday, Mar. 18 at 1 p.m. and Goldey-Beacom (Mar. 19) at 12 noon at the BSU Softball Field.

For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State University Athletics and its 13 varsity sports teams, please visit www.bsubulldogs.com.