DOVER, De. – In a start of a key three-game Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference series on Friday afternoon, a pair of squeeze bunts helped propel the Lady Pirates to a 2-1 nine-inning win over Delaware State.

With the win, Hampton (21-25) clinches a spot in the MEAC Tournament starting on Wednesday in Ormond Beach, Fla.

After trailing 1-0 heading into the top of the sixth, Taylor Warrick started the inning with a single and stole second before moving to third on a groundout by Alana VanDenburg.  Kial Watts followed with a squeeze bunt which plated Warrick to tie the game at one-all.

In the ninth, the squeeze worked again for Hampton as Cassidy Blackwell led off the inning with a double and was replaced for pinch-runner Camille King.  Ashley Grassini moved King to third with a bunt and then Morgan Crawford followed with another bunt which King beat the throw home for a 2-1 lead.

Allyson Babinsack went the distance on the mound and allowed five hits and had five strikeouts.  One of those hits came in the bottom of the ninth, but she got a groundout back to her and a swinging strikeout to end the game.

These teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday in Dover to conclude the regular season.

For more information on Hampton University softball, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.