The Capital University softball team erupted for eight runs in the top of the sixth inning Saturday to turn a one-run deficit into a big lead and a 12-8 victory over SUNY New Paltz (N.Y.) in the first game on the second day of the Salisbury Tournament in Salisbury, Md.

In the second game, Capital (8-4 overall) fell against No. 3 Salisbury 9-0 in six innings.

Against New Paltz, the Crusaders totaled 10 hits and crossed the plate seven times before an out was recorded in the frame, taking the lead for good on a two-run double to left center by sophomore shortstop Therese Becker (South Euclid, Ohio).

Seven players posted two or more hits in the contest for Capital, which finished with 17 hits in the affair. Junior left fielder LeAnna Cotton (Okeechobee, Fla.) and sophomore third baseman Katlyn Simpson (Loudonville, Ohio) tallied three hits apiece to lead the offensive outburst.

Capital tallied first as Simpson connected for two-out, two-run triple to right center in the top of the first.

The Hawks (1-6) answered in the bottom of the second, plating four runs with two outs in the frame to take a 4-2 advantage. New Paltz tacked on one more in the bottom of the third for a three-run lead.

The Crusaders narrowed their deficit in the fourth and fifth innings on a bases-loaded walk by junior centerfielder Kelsey Swain (Pickerington, Ohio), then on a solo home run by Cotton, her third of the season.

After Becker's double in the sixth, freshman designated player Marisa Koss (Ostrander, Ohio), Simpson, freshman catcher Kat Boyer (Huber Heights, Ohio), junior first baseman Maura Rose (Williamsport, Pa.) and Swain all brought home runs with hits.

Junior pitcher Brooke Billings (Clyde, Ohio) improved to 4-1 with the win, tossing the final 5 1/3 innings in relief of junior Alyssa Patznick (Newark, Ohio).

Against Salisbury (13-0), Capital was held to just two hits as Simpson and sophomore right fielder Ashley Knowles (Canton, Ohio) each singled.

The Sea Gulls (13-0) tallied two in the second, one in the third, one in the fifth and five in the sixth to end the contest via run rule.

Billings (4-2) took the loss on the mound. Freshman Amber Martinelli (Pittsburgh, Pa.) struck out the only batter she faced after coming on in relief in the sixth.

The Crusaders return to action Thursday at Transylvania. First pitch of the doubleheader is slated for 3:30 p.m. in Lexington, Ky.