NORFOLK, Va. (May 6, 2026)--The fifth-seeded Morgan State softball team is set to take on host Norfolk State, the fourth seed, this morning in an opening round contest in the 2026 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Softball Championship at 11 a.m. at TowneBank Softball Field.
 
MorganStateBears.com sat down last week with senior first baseman and Blackwood, N.J. native, Gianna Ettore and senior outfielder and Clayton, N.J. native, Cassie White, as they prepare to play in what will be the final MEAC Softball Championship of their Morgan State careers.
 
MorganStateBears.com: As you enter your final MEAC Softball Tournament, what emotions/thoughts do you have as next week approaches?
 
Gianna Ettore: "Entering my final MEAC Tournament is a mix of excitement and nerves. It's exciting knowing this is what we've been working toward all season, but at the same time, it's a little nerve-wracking because it could be the last time I ever play softball. I'm really looking forward to seeing what we bring to the table, though. We've improved so much over the course of the season, and I'm excited to show everyone exactly what we're about."
 
Cassie White: "Coming into my final MEAC Tournament is honestly surreal. I can't believe the 4 years have flown by this fast. I feel more confident than ever in our team, and we know exactly what we have to do in order to bring home another championship. I can't wait to be on that stage down in Norfolk, and show the MEAC everything we've been developing throughout this season."
 
MSB: In your opinion, what went wrong in the regular season series lost to Norfolk State and what will it take to beat the Spartans and advance?
 
GE: "When we lost to Norfolk State earlier this season, I think the biggest issue was our hitting. We weren't producing at the plate when we needed to, especially when their pitching was struggling. Moving forward, we have to come out with energy, stay aggressive, and execute offensively."
 
CW: "During our regular season series in Norfolk we showed that we can beat anyone. In Game 2 we came out and ended that game in 5 innings, just dominating. The key to our success was pitch selection and knowing what we were looking for at the plate. We know what they're going to give us in the circle, and we've been studying and practicing it all week leading up to the tournament. In our last regular season series, where we swept Coppin State, we were able to put everything together and play as a unit. I know that this will make all the difference when we get to MEAC."
 
MSB: How important is it to win the opening game and how far can this team go in the tournament?
 
GE: "Winning that opening game is extremely important. You don't want to put yourself in a position where you're fighting to stay alive right away. Mentally, it's a huge advantage to start off with a win and know you've secured your spot moving forward. It allows you to play more confidently and freely, instead of with the pressure of knowing one more loss could end your season. If we're hitting the ball the way we're capable of, I truly believe no one can beat us. Our defense is solid, and if we back up our pitchers and put runs on the board, we can beat anyone and win this tournament."
 
CW: "It is extremely important that we come out and win our first game against Norfolk. Momentum is a key in the MEAC tournament. Every team is showing up to play, and putting everything on the line. We can do the same when we come out dominant in game 1. I can see this team going all the way. I can see a Regional in our future. Anyone can win the MEAC Tournament, and this team deserves it the most."
 
MSB: On Senior Day you hit another grand slam against Coppin State. What does the rivalry mean to you and how do you rank the two grand slams?
 
GE: "My grand slam last week against Coppin was an unreal moment. That rivalry means a lot to me, so anytime we play them, I'm coming out with a lot of intensity. On Senior Day especially, I knew I had to show up for my team in any way I could. Honestly, in that moment, I wasn't thinking about hitting a home run or having flashbacks to the [2024 MEAC Championship]. I was just focused on keeping the rally going and getting runs in."
 
"As far as ranking them, I'd say the grand slam in the championship means more because it helped us win a MEAC title. But the one on Senior Day was incredibly special in a different way. Having my whole family there to see it and share that moment with me is something I'll never forget."
 
 
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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.