NORFOLK, VA -- The University of Delaware softball team defeated Norfolk State, 2-0, in the first game of a doubleheader before falling to the Spartans, 9-8, in the nightcap Sunday on the third day of the Spartan Classic.

Blue Hen pitcher Carolynn Sloat improved to 2-2 after firing a seven-hit shutout while striking out nine and not walking a batter in the opener. The Blue Hens (4-7) scored a run in the bottom of the second when Kim Ovittore (right) doubled and scored on a single by Michelle Kenney, and added an insurance run in the fourth inning.

Ovittore finished 2 for 3 with a run scored, while Kenney was 2 for 3 with an RBI and Cecile Egan finished 1 for 4 with a run batted in. Norfolk State pitcher Sara Wittwer took the loss and fell to 2-4 after giving up two runs on eight hits.

In the nightcap, the Spartans (5-12) and Blue Hens each scored four runs in the first inning and one in the second. Norfolk State added a run in the top of the third, but Delaware answered with three in the bottom of the inning to take an 8-6 lead. However the Spartans responded with a run in the sixth and two in the seventh to pull out the victory.

Samantha Shawn allowed six runs on six hits in the first three innings in the circle for the Blue Hens, while Sloat picked up the loss after allowing three runs on six hits with four strikeouts in the final four innings. Leekycia Brown earned the victory and improved to 1-3 with three innings of scoreless relief for the Spartans.

Egan finished 3 for 5 with two runs scored to pace Delaware, while Katie DeSalvo was 2 for 5 with a pair of runs scored and Ovittore went 3 for 5 with two runs scored. Mary Ann Magee was 3 for 4 with two runs batted in, while Katie Lee finished 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored.

The Blue Hens return to action on Wednesday when Delaware travels to Pennsylvania for a 2 p.m. doubleheader with the Quakers.

Boxscore