MONTGOMERY, Ala. | The Grambling State University softball team dropped a pair of Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) games on Saturday at the Barbara Williams Softball Complex to Alabama State.
 
Grambling State (10-8 overall, 0-3 SWAC) nearly rallied from a four-run deficit in the opener, but fell to Alabama State, 5-3. In the second contest, Alabama State (12-10, 3-0) scored seven runs in the first inning and did not look back in a 12-0 victory.
 
How It Happened – Game 1
Alabama State opened the scoring with one run on two hits in the bottom of the first inning to grab a quick 1-0 lead.
 
Grambling State answered with one run in the third when Kenyshae Beasley when Tia Coleman a bases-loaded walk.
 
The Lady Hornets grabbed the lead for good in the sixth with four runs on five hits to take a 5-1 lead.
 
The Lady Tigers tried to rally in the top of the seventh.
 
Beasley opened the inning with an infield hit and advanced to second on a bunt single by Tyra Triplett. With one down, Antiya Randle reached on an error as Beasley scored and Triplett stopped at third. Coleman walked and Rikkelle Miller grounded out to second to plate Triplett. 
 
Inside the Numbers
> Grambling State finished with four runs on five hits and left eight on base
> Tyra Triplett led the Lady Tigers at the plate by going 3-for-4, with one run scored
> Kenyshae Beasley went 2-for-3, with a pair of runs scored
> D'Maria Matthews pitched six innings and gave up five runs on nine hits, with one strikeout
> Alabama State finished with five runs on nine hits, committed one error and stranded three on base
> Alexis Sydnor and Charlene Castro each went 2-for-3 to lead Alabama State
> Vanessa Bradford started in the circle and went 4.1 innings. She gave up one run on three hits, walked six and fanned five
> Charlene Castro took the win in 2.2 innings of relief. She surrendered three runs (all in the seventh) on two hits, with one walk
 
How It Happened – Game 2
Alabama State plated seven runs in the first inning and five more in the third to defeated Grambling State in five innings.
 
Inside the Numbers
> Grambling State finished with eight hits, three errors and left six on base
> Tia Coleman led the way at the plate with three hits
> Morgan Adams, Rikkelle Miller, Edwenia Foster, Antiya Randle and Anaiyah Fultz each collected one hit
> Kenyshae Beasley started on the mound and went four innings. She surrendered eight runs on 10 hits, walked four and struck out one
> Ja'Lynn Bonner pitched in relief
> Alabama State finished with 12 runs on 13 hits and stranded five baserunners
> Kristin Gunter registered three hits, while Alexis Sydnor, Teah Steel and Aimee Felices each had two
> Justine Jean pitched five innings and earned the victory. She scattered eight hits, fanned two and walked one
 
Up Next
Grambling State returns to action for a non-conference doubleheader against Texas College. First pitch for the twinbill is set for 1 p.m. in Tyler, Texas.
 
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