Lynchburg, Va. (Feb. 22, 2019) --- Delaware State committed seven errors, leading to seven unearned runs, in 12-1 loss to Valparaiso on day two of the Liberty University Softball Challenge this morning.

The Hornets only trailed 3-1 before allowing five runs in the fourth inning and four in the fifth.

After Delaware State starting pitcher Alexis Goldsby set down the Crusaders in order in the top of the first inning, the Hornets scored first with a run in the bottom of the inning.

Jasmine Melgoza drew a walk to lead off the DSU first inning and advanced to second on a bunt single by Jonah Cunningham. Two batters later, Jordan Casey singled to right center to score Melgoza with the first run of the game.  Later in the inning, the Hornets had runners at third and second with one out, but failed to add any more runs.

Valparaiso answered with three runs in the top of the second inning, aided by two Delaware State errors.

The Hornets trailed 3-1with scoring chances in their next at bats, but left two runners on base in the second inning and three in the third.

Delaware State committed two more errors in Valpo's five-run fourth inning and three miscues to aid in the Crusaders' four-run fifth.

The game was called after DSU batted in the fifth due to the eight run rule.    

Goldsby was the losing pitcher for Delaware State. She allowed five hits and eight runs, although only two were earned, while striking out two and walking six in four innings in the circle.

The Hornets dropped their second straight game to fall to 1-3, while the Crusaders won for the first time in six games.

Delaware State will face Bucknell and Wright State in the Liberty Challenge on Saturday and close out the tournament against Princeton on Sunday.