PINE BLUFF, AR. — The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff softball team received contributions throughout its lineup Friday as all nine starters reached base safely, helping the Lady Lions score 13 runs in a 13–4 victory over Alcorn State to open SWAC conference play at home at the Torii Hunter Softball Complex.
Kaydrian Fields earned the win for UAPB. The right-hander pitched five innings, allowing four runs, two earned, on seven hits while walking two and striking out one. Danika Bryant also pitched well in relief, tossing one shutout inning without allowing a hit while recording one strikeout.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Lady Lions wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, plating two runs in the bottom of the first inning. The big hit of the frame came when Janai Mathis delivered an RBI double to give UAPB an early lead.
UAPB added to its advantage in the second inning when Chasney Cooper drove in a run with a single as part of a two-run inning, pushing the Lady Lions' lead to 4–0.
After Alcorn State cut the deficit to 4–2, the Lady Lions responded in the third inning. Lyric Perry delivered a two-run home run to extend the UAPB lead to 6–2.
The Lady Braves fought back to make the score 6–4, but UAPB answered again in the fifth inning when Cooper recorded an RBI single to increase the lead to 7–4.
The Lady Lions then broke the game open in the sixth inning, erupting for six runs. The rally was highlighted by a two-run play off the bat of Janiah Wilson, helping UAPB extend its advantage to 13–4.
Game two of the scheduled doubleheader was delayed in the top of the seventh inning, and a makeup date will be announced at a later time.
GAME NOTES
- Kamea Seunarine and Janiah Wilson each recorded three-hit games for UAPB.
- Lyric Perry led the power surge with two extra-base hits, including a home run.
- Every UAPB starter reached base safely in the win.
- The Lady Lions' highest scoring inning came in the sixth, when they plated six runs.
- UAPB never relinquished the lead after going ahead in the first inning.
- Five Lady Lions recorded multiple hits in the game.
- UAPB out-hit Alcorn State 14–7.
- Chasney Cooper stole two bases as part of the Lady Lions' six total stolen bases.
- UAPB pitchers faced 29 Alcorn State batters, recording two strikeouts.
- The Lady Lions drew four walks from Alcorn State pitching.
Seunarine led the UAPB offense, going 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs.
Alcorn State was led offensively by Karmen Bernard, who finished 2-for-2 with two RBIs. Chiara Olison led the Lady Braves pitching staff, throwing three innings and allowing six runs.
