CALIFORNIA, PA- The Chowan University softball took a tough 13-0 loss in the opening round of the NCAA Atlantic Regional Tournament on Friday morning.  The loss drops the Hawks to the losers bracket and moves them to 26-22 on the season, while California University of Pennsylvania remains in the winners bracket with a 37-4 mark on the year.
 
The Hawks mustered three hits in the contest, with Hannah Joyce, Shelby Pendleton and Kelly Hardison each managing base hit knocks in the loss.  The Vulcan's' offense exploded for 12 hits over the course of the afternoon with four players garnering multi-hit performances.
 
A six run bottom of the first inning put California University of Pennsylvania in the driver's seat early in the game.  The Vulcan's took advantage of two Hark errors and five hits in the frame to solidify their commanding lead. 
 
California University of Pennsylvania opened the bottom of the second with a run after using an RBI single to pull ahead 7-0.  A three run homerun in the same frame pulled the Vulcan's' lead to 10-0.  A two-run blast later pushed their advantage to 12-0. 
 
Natalya Smarra's solo homerun in the bottom of the fourth contributed to a 13-0 lead.  The Hawks put together two hits in the top of the fifth, but were not able to score or overcome the deficit.  Alora Lincoln took the loss for the mound for the Hawks, surrendering 13 runs (seven earned) and scattering 12 hits.  Alex Sagl picked up the win for the Vulcan's, after holding Chowan to one hit before being relieved by Haley Bashada in the fifth. 
 
Chowan faces elimination on Saturday and will take on the loser of Friday's West Chester vs. Lock Haven game.  First pitch is slated for 1:00pm.  Click HERE for live coverage of the contest.