Lions Take Series from Lady Braves

LORMAN, Miss. – In the last of a two-game series, the Alcorn State University softball program was topped 8-0 by North Alabama in five innings Saturday at the Alcorn Softball Complex.
 
The day was originally supposed to be a doubleheader, but the second game was canceled.
 
Alcorn (0-2) registered three hits in the contest. They came from sophomores Amari Ramsey, Desirea Lindsey and Bri Smith.
 
"We are going to get better. Some things were good, but we really have some areas that we have to get fixed. It's fundamentals and little things that are making a huge difference for us defensively. We will get better," said Alcorn head coach Josef Rankin.
 
Senior Paige Taylor, the 2018 SWAC Newcomer of the Year, made her first start and pitched all five innings. She struck out two and allowed just two earned runs.
 
"Paige was great on the mound. She's going to get you a lot of ground balls. I think three balls were hit in the outfield," Rankin said. "Once again, we had some individuals who were outstanding in the dugout. Daijah Richardson is going to create an opportunity with what she's doing in the dugout. Her energy has been awesome, and that's an example for everyone."
 
UNO (3-0) scored four runs in the third inning, and one run in each of the other four innings. Lexie Harper went 2-for-3 with three runs scored. Sidney Revels made the start and pitched 3.0 scoreless frames to get the win.
 
Alcorn's best chance came in its first at-bat. After a walk by junior Simone McKinney, Ramsey reached on a bunt single and both runners advanced after the catcher threw it into right field. Though, with runners on second and third with one out, Revels got out of the jam with back-to-back strikeouts.
 
The Lions, who opened the season with a win at UAB, were able to take advantage of Alcorn's defensive miscues and plate six unearned runs.
 
"It boils down to competing with great energy. Mistakes happen. Strikeouts will happen, but what am I doing after that happens? Do I shrink or do I dust myself off, get back up and go compete? These games are great for us. The adversity is great for us. It's going to help us grow and be a better team. We have to elevate and compete no matter what," Rankin said.
 
The Lady Braves will remain at home Thursday when they host Kentucky State at 1:30 p.m. at the Alcorn Softball Complex. The two teams will then play a doubleheader in Vicksburg on Friday starting at 5:30 p.m. at Vicksburg High School.
 
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