GRAMBLING, La. | The Grambling State University softball team suffered a 20-2 decision to Alabama A&M in a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) series opener on Friday afternoon at the GSU Softball Complex.
 
Alabama A&M (10-11) struck first with one run in the first inning and four runs in the fourth to lead 5-0.
 
With two outs in the top of the sixth, Grambling State (8-13) surrendered a two-run homer by Tamia Lee-Barbadillo to grab a 7-0 lead, but the Lady Tigers didn't back down and plated two in the bottom of the frame.
 
Hailey Haynes singled to right center, and then stole second. Mercedes Williams singled up the middle as Haynes advanced to third. With runners on the corners, Taylor Lenz-Selvera reached on an infield hit to load the bases. Haynes scored on a sacrifice fly to right field by Morgan Adams and Allye Hartley reached first on a fielding error as Williams scored.
 
However, the Lady Tigers were unable to provide any late-inning heroics as the Lady Bulldogs put the game away for good in the seventh inning with 13 runs on 11 hits.
 
Inside The Numbers
* Grambling State finished with two runs on five hits and left seven on base.
*Hailey Haynes went 2-for-2 with one RBI.
*Mercedes Williams had two hits, while Taylor Lenz-Selvera registered one.
* Caitlin McDowell (6-5) took the loss in seven innings. She gave up 20 runs (four earned) on 20 hits, with three strikeouts and three walks.
* Alabama A&M finished with 20 runs on 20 hits and left five on base.
* Lauren Hayden picked up the win as she gave up two runs on five hits, with five strikeouts and two walks.
*Jamia Kirk went 4-for-5 to pace Alabama A&M's offense.
* Tiana Sanders and Danielle Hansell both went 3-for-4.
 
Up Next
Grambling State will continue its three-game SWAC series against Alabama A&M with a doubleheader on Saturday. The first pitch is set for 12 p.m.
 
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