HUNTSVILLE, Ala. ^__ In a Southwestern Athletic Conference matchup that came down to the wire, Alabama A&M softball (23-16, 13-8 SWAC) completed a come-from-behind victory, knocking off Bethune-Cookman 5-4 in Friday's contest at the Bulldog Softball Field.
 
The Bulldogs battled back from the three-run deficit to take a 5-3 lead before the Wildcats added a run in the top of the seventh before the close of the game. A bases loaded grand slam from Zahria Jones in the sixth gave them their first lead of the contest, later holding on for a tight finish in the seventh.
 
After a scoreless game through two innings, the Wildcats got on the board in the top of the third on an error, before scoring on an RBI single in the fourth to add to the lead. Bethune-Cookman added a third run in the fifth to take the 3-0 advantage.
 
Brooklyn Wallace was the first runner in scoring position for Alabama A&M with a double in the third and later singled to get on in the sixth. Serena Herbranson followed with a double to put runners on second and third and force a pitching change.
 
The Bulldogs loaded the bases as Venice Sanders was hit by a pitch before the grand slam to center field from Jones to gain the lead. With walks from Faith Cross and Taylor Woods following the home run, Calia Rooks later hit a two-out single for the final run.

A&M pounded out six total hits on the day, while leaving five runners on base. Jones led the Bulldogs at the plate with a 2-for-3 night with four RBI and a run scored. She added a double along with her grand slam. Rooks drove in the final run with a single to center field, while five different Bulldogs scored in the win.
 
Paige Scott (9-4) pitched her 10th complete game on the year, as she scattered eight hits and allowed four runs. The right hander faced 32 batters and struck out seven, forced eight groundouts and six fly balls in the win.
 
Halyne Gonzalez worked six innings for the Wildcats, allowing five hits and a pair of runs while striking out seven. Victoria Guzman came out of the bullpen in the sixth and surrendered a grand slam and walked three before Gonzalez came back in to finish the game.

The two teams will resume the series on Saturday at 12 p.m. after celebrating Senior Day before the contest.

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