JACKSON, Miss. –Jamia Kirk nearly hit for the cycle, and Tiana Sanders homered as the duo helped Alabama A&M shake off an early deficit and prevail 10-5 over Jackson State Friday evening during Southwestern Athletic Conference action.

Jackson State (7-18, 1-6 SWAC) jumped ahead early on as Kelsey Smith delivered a RBI single to score Kayla Owens in the first inning, and a RBI flyout by Cheyenne Aplon in the second inning made it 2-0 Lady Tigers.

Sanders blasted an Owens offering over the centerfield wall in the third inning to put AAMU (13-12, 5-2 SWAC) on the board, and a two-run triple by Kirk pushed the Lady Bulldogs ahead 3-2 heading to the fifth inning. 

A Kirk RBI double sparked a four-run sixth inning for the Lady Bulldogs. Though Jackson State responded with three in its turn during the sixth, Alabama A&M added three runs in the top of the seventh – with Kirk providing a RBI single to start the rally – to put the game away.

Smith was 2-for-4 with two RBI. Sanders was 3-for-4. Lauren Hayden improved to 8-1 for the Lady Bulldogs, throwing a complete game and scattering nine hits, five earned runs and four walks while fanning six. Owens (5.1 IP, 8 H, 5 ER, 3 K) was assessed the loss.
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The Lady Bulldogs will close the series with a doubleheader Saturday. The first pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m.