GREENSBORO – The second inning made all the difference during the first game of a three-game Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) softball series at the Lady Aggies Softball Complex Friday between North Carolina A&T and the Towson Tigers.
After the Aggies took an early lead, the Tigers rallied for 11 runs in the visitor's second to down the A&T 11-2 in five innings. A&T dropped to 7-24 overall and 0-10 in CAA play despite getting two hits from Aaliyah Williams and 3 1/3 scoreless innings from freshman pitcher Lauren Hardy.
Towson received three RBIs from Alyssa Myint and two runs and two RBIs from Madyson Peters to improve to 15-15 overall and 5-5 in league play.
Friday afternoon started well for A&T starter Aaliyah Williams (L, 2-8). She put down the Tigers in order in the visitor's first, striking out two batters in the process. Meanwhile, the Aggies offense got going early thanks to a leadoff walk to freshman Tyra Robinson by Towson starter Amanda Medina (W, 5-4).
A bunt single from Aaliyah Williams put runners on first and second for Katriel Williams, who sacrificed both runners into scoring position before freshman Ayanna Mears hit a two-run RBI double to left field to give the Aggies a 2-0 advantage. Aggies were on second and third after sophomore Destiny Sims reached on an error. But a pop-out and a groundout ended the inning, leading to the crucial second frame.
Towson utilized five hits, three errors and three walks to score 11 runs. Myint closed out the scoring for the Tigers with a two-run single to give Towson an 11-2 lead.
Things settled down from there. The Aggies turned to Hardy in the second inning. After giving up the hit to Myint, Hardy gave up only one hit and walked no one for the remainder of the game. She also pitched around two A&T errors.
A&T tried to avoid having the run-rule implemented because the Aggies entered the home fifth trailing by more than seven runs. Aaliyah Williams reached on a bunt single but was eliminated on the base paths on a fielder's choice. The game ended on a flyout to center field by freshman Jaden James.
The two teams will play Game 2 Saturday afternoon at 1 from the Lady Aggies Softball Complex.
