GRAMBLING, La. (Softball) – An explosive five run first inning aided the Grambling State University softball team in snatching a win over the University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff (9-21, 4-5 SWAC) on Saturday afternoon. The Lady Tigers split with the Lady Golden Lions, dropping game one with a score of 15-2 and winning game two, 5-2.

Tia Coleman was the top hitter for the Grambling with a .600 batting average as she went 3-of-5 at the plate for three doubles and four runs batted in. Coleman also was a defensive juggernaut as she helped turn two double plays on the day.

In game one, GSU (12-23, 2-7 SWAC)  scored only one run each in the bottom of the first and third inning. The first run came as Coleman doubled into left field to score Hailey Haynes, 5-1. Coleman batted the second run in with another double to score Haynes again, 12-2.

D'Maria Matthews (0-5) suffered the loss with one and two-thirds innings pitched for five hits and six earned runs. Caitlin McDowell finished the contest with three and one-third inning pitched for nine hits, three earned runs, one walk and two strike outs.

Karia Hall picked up the win with five innings pitched for five hits, two earned runs, three walks and two strike outs.

For the second game, the  Lady Tigers strung together five runs run and played great defense to hold Arkansas – Pine Bluff to two runs.

McDowell (10-11) snapped up the win with a complete game pitched for five hits, two earned runs and one walk.

Angelique Ramos suffered the loss for the Lady Golden Lions with six innings pitched for six hits, five runs, and one strike out.

???????Grambling will be back in action at home from April 7-8 as the Lady Tigers host Prairie View A&M University in a Southwestern Athletic Conference series.