AAMU Edges Alcorn Twice Saturday

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – An entire series of one-run games just didn't go in favor of the Alcorn State University softball program as Alabama A&M took a doubleheader 1-0 and 5-4 on Saturday at Bulldog Field.
 
"We need to work hard to stay up and stay positive. We are on to the tournament. We most certainly didn't finish the regular season the way we wanted, but we can't turn negative," said Alcorn head coach Josef Rankin.
 
Alcorn (13-22, 9-9 SWAC) will be the No. 3 seed from the East Division at the SWAC Championships.
 
"Everything around our program needs to stay positive. Sometimes things just don't go your way, but that doesn't mean you tear others down to make yourself bigger," Rankin said. "That may seem like it has nothing to do with the games, but that's the most important thing we should take away from this weekend."
 
In game one, senior Paige Taylor tossed a gem, but had to take the loss. She allowed just one run on three hits in 6.0 innings. Taylor ended conference play with a 6-3 record and 2.68 ERA, which also included 2.0 scoreless innings in game two of the doubleheader.
 
Alcorn's lone hit of game one came on a single by sophomore Ashley Arnold to center in the third inning. Senior Desirea Lindsey and senior Victoria Tyler also reached base via walks.
 
Lauren Hayden threw a one-hitter for the Lady Bulldogs. Their run came in the second inning on an RBI double by Tia Davis.
 
In game two, the Lady Braves got on the board in the first inning on an RBI double by Tyler. It scored junior Simone McKinney who singled, and advanced to second on a hit by sophomore Amari Ramsey.
 
However, the Lady Bulldogs responded with three runs in the second and one in the third to go up 4-1.
 
The Lady Braves put together a big fourth inning to get back in the game. Tyler was hit by a pitch to lead it off, and advanced to second on a hit to left by freshman Sandrea Hord. The Lady Braves loaded the bases on an infield single by Arnold, and plated their first run on a hit by junior Eva Scott. A fielder's choice RBI by Lindsey further chipped into the deficit 4-3. Alcorn tied it 4-4 on a single to right by junior Brittney Triplett.
 
AAMU notched the final tally of the game on an RBI single by Ariel McAtee in the fifth inning.
 
Arnold, Hord and Triplett posted two hits apiece. Junior Ambria Dorsey struck out four in 4.0 innings and is now No. 5 all-time in program history in career strikeouts with 137.
 
With a double in the game, Tyler moved up to No. 8 all-time in Alcorn history in doubles (22) and 11th in hits (116).
 
"Moving forward, we have to work to make more plays. I am still proud of our team. That was a great series," Rankin said.
 
The 2019 SWAC Championships will begin Wednesday, May 8 in Montgomery, Alabama on the campus of Alabama State University. The Lady Braves will play either Texas Southern or Prairie View A&M in the first round.
 
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