THE HILL | The Alabama A&M University softball team dropped the final two contests of a three-game series to the Florida A&M Rattlers by 9-1 and 5-2 decisions in the weekend doubleheader.

The contest started out slow, with both teams only managing to get on runner on base, striking out three others. FAMU added their first two points in the second inning after a double and a single brought runners across home plate. The Rattlers were struck out with the bases loaded as the Bulldogs came up to bat. The Bulldogs added a hit but were unable to convert. Florida A&M added another double to take a three-point lead. Similar to the second frame, the Bulldogs recorded a hit, but the remaining batters struck out before AAMU could add a point.

Kiauna Watson reached on a fielder's choice, stole second and third base, and eventually ran home to give the Rattlers a comfortable lead heading into the bottom of the fourth inning. Keeping AAMU scoreless, the Rattlers were back to bat. Brianna Duggins doubled up the middle. Aniya Canty was next to swing, sending the ball past the wall and bringing Duggins around in the process. With a momentum flowing, FAMU saw three up and three down to move the contest to the sixth inning. Amari Brown singled up the middle, scoring Watson and Braxtyn Battle. Brown made her way around the bases to add the final Rattler tally. Kayden Radcliff walked, and Tori Green pinch ran for her, stealing second before advancing to third. She scored on an error, but it was not enough, as Florida A&M claimed the first contest.

The host team were the first to score a run when in the second inning, Ki Davis scored on a passed ball. The Maroon and White left two on base when two more Bulldogs were struck out. The Rattlers tallied two more runs at the top of the third. All three batters were consecutively struck out at the bottom of the third. Florida A&M added two more to their tally after Ciara Maple singled to right center. They left three on base at the conclusion of the frame. The Rattlers scored on consecutive at bats in the top of the fifth to go up 5-1. Dakota Daniel singled up the middle before stealing second and third base. Ariana Montiel reached first on an error by the shortstop, and Daniel ran home in the process. FAMU ultimately claimed the game, 5-2.

UP NEXT 
AAMU stays at the Bulldog Softball Field to host the Jackson State University Tigers on March 28 and 29. Friday's contest is scheduled for 3 p.m. while Saturday's doubleheader is set for 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. All three games will be live streamed via Bulldogs All-Access.

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