NORFOLK, Va. – A grand slam and a program record were both featured in the Norfolk State softball team's game on Saturday afternoon against Delaware State at the NSU Softball Field. The Spartans used a huge first inning and rode a record-setting day to the 7-2 MEAC win over the Hornets.

After Alison Guckin led off with a five-pitch walk, and collected her 33 stolen base of the season, Imani Moore singled through the left side as Guckin advanced to third. After a steal by Moore put runners on second and third, Tuli Iosefa walked to load the bases. That is when Kenna Higa took the second pitch she saw over the center field fence for her first career grand slam and her team-leading seventh home run of the season, immediately putting the Spartans ahead by four.

Not to be completely out done, Gabby Vaughan stepped up to the plate next and took her own 0-1 count pitch over the left field fence for back-to-back home runs for the Spartans as Norfolk State took a 5-0 after just one inning.

It was not until the third inning that anymore runs were put on the board. Thankfully it was the Spartans who added to their lead when Yrral Davis doubled to right center scoring both Lily Potter and Gabby Gosman, who were on first and second base respectively, putting NSU ahead by seven.

Three more scoreless innings followed before the two teams reached the seventh inning. With the Spartans ahead by seven, the Hornets attempted to make it a game by adding a pair of runs in their half of the inning. After a ground out Yanique Spencer singled down the right field line to put runners on the corners with one out. Kyla Johnson would score the first run for DSU on a wild pitch and two batters later Sydney Glisson would add the second. However, a ground out to Joana Vallejo would end the game with the Spartans winning, 7-2.

Vallejo pitched a complete game for the Spartans in a record-setting day. Throwing all seven innings for NSU, she collected a career-high 12 strikeouts which ties the program record for strikeouts in a single game. It marked the eighth time in team history and the first since March 31, 2018, when Hunter Halford struck out a dozen against UMES. Vallejo also passed Halford for ninth place in strikeouts in a season with her 96th in 2022.

The two teams will meet against on Sunday for a doubleheader as the Spartans recognize six seniors as part of a Senior Day celebration. Jade Dixon, Guckin, Iosefa, Potter, Vallejo and Vaughan will be honored prior to game one. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m.