HUNTSVILLE, Ala. –  In the opening game of the three-game rivalry series, Alabama A&M dropped a 16-11 contest to rival Alabama State on Thursday afternoon at the Bulldog Softball Field.
 
Falling behind by nine heading into the bottom half of the second inning, the Bulldogs scored four unanswered runs to cut into the lead. Serena Herbranson scored the first run in the second after Calia Rooks drove her home by reaching on a fielder's choice, followed by an RBI double from Faith Cross, sacrifice fly from Herbranson, and RBI single from Jalia Callaway all in the third to bring the score to 9-4.

The Hornets added to their lead in the fourth, scoring four more runs on just two hits, before a response from A&M on an RBI from Rooks and RBI double from Allyson Riches in the fifth for a 13-6 score.
 
After another pair of runs from ASU, the Bulldogs had a big inning in the sixth. Venice Sanders and Zahria Jones both earned singles to start, followed by an RBI double from Cross.
 
Calloway later drove in another two scores after reaching on an error, while Imani Mathis earned an RBI on a single to come within five at 15-10. Both sides added a run in the final inning, with A&M adding a two-out home run from Sanders for the 16-11 final.

Eight different Bulldogs earned a hit in the contest, while five scored runs. Cross, Zahria Jones, and Sanders all earned two hits, while Callaway drove in three runs and scored twice. Sanders also scored two runs, including the solo shot and started the game in the circle, followed by Cross who added two RBI and scored twice.
 
After the start from Sanders, Krista Sikes pitched for 5.1 innings of work out of the bullpen, followed by a final frame from Sydney Hall.

The series will continue Saturday, March 18 due to predicted rain scheduled. First pitch is set for 12 p.m.

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