Lady Braves Topped by Southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi State

STARKVILLE, Miss. – To close out the Alex Wilcox Memorial Tournament, the Alcorn State University softball program was defeated by Southeastern Louisiana 7-1 and Mississippi State 6-0 on Monday at Nusz Park.
 
"The Snowman tournament was a challenge for us. The key to it all is that we learn more about our team and get better. We got better in some areas. The scoreboard may not really show those things, but we did some things well that we really need to grow on. From a defensive standpoint, we just have to get better with catching and throwing, and we are getting there. I really like this team and we are figuring some things out," said Alcorn head coach Josef Rankin.
 
The Lady Braves (2-7) registered six hits against the Lady Lions (8-8) before breaking up a no-hitter by the Bulldogs (11-4) in the seventh inning. Senior Victoria Tyler knocked a hit in each contest.
 
"As a coach, you see the teams we faced in this tournament and your heart hurts because you really wish your players could not what it's like to not be limited in resources. I have an awesome group of young ladies who work to be better 'in spite of.' I really appreciate them for that," Rankin said.
 
Alcorn's run came in the third inning against SLU. The frame started with a one-out hit up the middle by sophomore Amari Ramsey. After a wild pitch, junior Keelee Huff singled to left field to score the run.
 
SLU scored two in the third, three in the fourth and two in the sixth. Rebecca Skains, Madison Watson and Ali McCoy reached notched two hits. Sophie Hannabas threw four innings and picked up the win.
 
Junior Ambria Dorsey pitched a complete-game but took the loss. She struck out a pair and gave up five earned runs.
 
Other hits in the game from Alcorn came from junior Simone McKinney, sophomore Malea Dickerson and sophomore Desirea Lindsey.
 
In the night cap, MSU's Alyssa Loza had a no-hitter going in the seventh inning when Tyler broke it up with a one-out single to right field.
 
Senior Paige Taylor threw a complete-game and surrendered four earned runs in six innings. The Bulldogs scored two in the first and four in the third.
 
"I am so proud of Ambria and Paige and what they are becoming. They are learning how to compete in that circle and that is a huge plus for us," Rankin said.
 
MSU was led at the plate by Fa Leilua who went 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI.
 
"Honestly, this tournament was to honor a young lady who gives us all an example of how we should live life. Alex Wilcox is a hero and I pray our effort and attitude this weekend honored her legacy. No, I really pray that the attitude and energy we bring every day honors her legacy. She's a legend and it was a blessing for our program to be a part of this tournament," Rankin said.
 
The Lady Braves will begin a three-game homestand Thursday when they host Nicholls at 2 p.m. at the Alcorn Softball Complex. Alcorn will follow it up with a home doubleheader Saturday against Texas A&M-Texarkana starting at noon.
 
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