Final Stats

Contact: Jeff Sattora

Greenville, N.C. - The Cleveland State Vikings jumped out to two early leads, but were unable to hold on late, falling twice today in the second day of the East Carolina Pirate Classic. CSU fell in the first game of the day 7-2 to the Towson Tigers, before taking the loss in a close 3-1 contest to the Ohio Bobcats.

For Head Coach Angie Nicholson, these early season defeats are something a young team often has to go through.

"We are making too many young mistakes but they're things that can be fixed," Nicholson said. "We started off both games attacking at the plate and putting ourselves on top we just have to do a better job staying consistent and holding onto the leads we create."

The Vikings were aggressive and jumped on the Tigers early in game one of the day, taking a 2-0 lead after the first inning. Unfortunately for CSU that's all they could earn on the offensive side, eventually falling 7-2.

A Cynthia Woodard single with one out got a CSU runner on base in the first, and Erica McNew brought her home with a two-run homer for the Vikings' offense in game one.

CSU held a lead until the third inning when a five run Tigers outburst put them ahead for good, in a game they would eventually pull away and win.

The second game of the day was much closer for the Vikings, as it was within two runs throughout. CSU got on the board early again in this one, taking a 1-0 lead in the first inning.

McNew was involved in this run as well as her sacrifice fly after a Susan Knight triple to led off the inning gave CSU the lead. 

Freshman Briana Combs was strong on the mound all afternoon in the second game, as she pitched her first collegiate complete game.

Combs allowed just three runs on six hits in her seven inning performance, but unfortunately for her and the Vikings those three Ohio runs in a fifth inning rally were enough to bring the Vikings down.

Despite the loss Nicholson was happy with the way the freshman performed.

"Briana did a nice job on the mound mixing her pitches well," she said.

CSU will be looking to get in the win column when they face Rider tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. in the final day of the Pirate Classic.