NORFOLK, Virginia – The Marist softball team split a doubleheader to open the season on Saturday. After dropping the first game by a score of 4-3 at Norfolk State, the Red Foxes rebounded for a 6-2 triumph over the Spartans in game two.

Here is a closer look at each game:

Game One – Norfolk State 4, Marist 3

A two-out, two-run single by catcher Kylee Lopez got Norfolk State on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first. The Red Foxes got on the board in the top of the fourth as junior third baseman Brittany Colombo doubled with two outs, which brought home senior catcher Rebecca Freeman. The next inning, Marist tied the score on a solo homer by sophomore second baseman Brandi Coon.

In the bottom of the sixth, pitcher Hunter Halford's two-run homer gave Norfolk State a 4-2 advantage. Marist rallied in the top of the seventh as freshman Ali Milam delivered a pinch-hit RBI single, but the Red Foxes were unable to bring the tying run home.

Halford (1-0) pitched a complete game as she scattered nine hits, struck out one, and walked one. Red-shirt senior Jessica Van Alphen (0-1) took the loss in relief, but struck out four in 1.2 innings. Senior Jayne Oberdorf started and went the first four innings, permitting just two hits while striking out three.

Game Two – Marist 6, Norfolk State 2

After spotting the Spartans a run in the home half of the first, senior right fielder Janna Korak tied the score in the top of the second with a home run.

The Red Foxes then broke the game open with a four-run fourth. Freshman first baseman Amanda Sartori broke the tie with a sacrifice fly, which brought home Freeman. After Colombo was hit by a pitch, freshman shortstop Jade Sinskul drew a bases-loaded walk, which forced home Korak. Sophomore center fielder Casey Page followed with a two-run single as Milam and Colombo scored.

Norfolk State answered with a run in the bottom of the fourth, but Marist re-claimed its four-run lead in the top of the sixth when Sinskul's RBI double plated junior pinch-hitter Kourtney Paul.

Sophomore Megan Beiermeister (1-0) started and went the first four innings for the victory. Sophomore Kallen Leeseberg allowed just one baserunner over the final three innings and struck out five for the save. Megan Przeslawski (0-1), who went the first five innings, took the loss.

Both teams are 1-1 on the season. Marist returns to action on Sunday, as the Red Foxes head to Baltimore for games against Coppin State (noon) and Morgan State (2 p.m.). Both games will take place at Coppin State.