MURFREESBORO, N.C. -- The Elizabeth City State University softball team split a non-conference doubleheader in Murfreesboro on Wednesday, dropping the opener to Chowan University before rallying late to defeat Shaw University in game two. The win over Shaw earned new head softball coach Korey Hill her first career NCAA victory. 

Game 1 — ECSU 1, Chowan 7

The Vikings struck first in the top of the first inning, taking a 1–0 lead after a passed ball allowed the opening run to score. Chowan responded quickly with three runs in the second inning and added insurance runs in the fourth, fifth, and sixth to secure the win.

ECSU collected four hits in the contest, including two from Sophia Simmons. Shaina Lugo took the loss in the circle, working six innings with one strikeout.

Game 2 — ECSU 8, Shaw 7

In game two, the Vikings bounced back with a high-scoring victory. ECSU jumped out to a 4–1 lead through two innings, highlighted by a two-RBI single from Ema Cebrian. Shaw rallied to take a 7–4 lead heading into the bottom of the fifth, but the Vikings answered with a four-run frame to retake control.

Key contributions came from Sophia Simmons, who tallied four hits and drove in two runs, and Natasha Melbye, who added three hits and an RBI. Oreanna Donaldson earned the win in the circle while also contributing at the plate.

With the split, ECSU showed resilience and offensive depth, highlighted by a 14-hit performance in the second game and a strong late-inning comeback to close the day.