FLORENCE, Ala. – The Alabama A&M softball team fell 3-1 to North Alabama in non-conference play in a midweek matchup at the Hilda B. Anderson Softball Complex on Tuesday afternoon.

The Bulldogs (14-11) were held in check from the plate, scoring just a single run on four hits, while three North Alabama pitchers struck out a combined 16 batters in the contest. Elena Escobar picked up the start and win for the Lions, allowing no hits and striking out five batters in just over two innings of work.

Junior Sydney Hall (4-4) pitched three full innings for A&M, giving up a pair of runs on five hits and fanning four. Meanwhile, Krista Sikes and Paige Scott also made appearances in the contest, combining for the remaining innings of play.

North Alabama got on the board early with a pair of runs in the first inning off multiple RBI singles, holding onto the 2-0 lead until the top of the fourth.

A&M responded with a score in the fourth, starting with a single from Venice Sanders, who was later brought home on an RBI double from Serena Herbranson for her 17th of the season. The Lions added to their lead in the bottom half of the frame, as a sacrifice fly from Sidney Bevis put the score at 3-1, where it remained at the end of play.

Scott worked the final three innings in the circle for the Bulldogs, allowing just three hits and not allowing a run.

Hannah Price and Maci Birdyshaw also made appearances in the circle for North Alabama, with Birdyshaw picking up her first save of the year.

Alabama A&M will resume conference play this weekend as they travel to Jackson State for a three-game series starting on Friday. First pitch for the series opener is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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