GREENSBORO – The North Carolina A&T softball team ran into an offensive-minded Monmouth team on Friday at the Lady Aggies Softball Complex. Behind 12 hits, including two extra-base hits from Giana Scotti to defeat A&T 12-0 in five innings in both teams' Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) opener.

Junior Katriel Williams had a big day for the Aggies, going 3-for-3 with a double.

But the Hawks got off to a fast start against A&T starter Aaliyah Williams (L, 1-4). They benefited from three walks in the inning, including a bases-loaded walk that forced in the game's first run in the visitor's first inning.

They also benefited from a two-run RBI double from Scotti to go ahead 3-0 before Gianna Stern's RBI single gave the Hawks a four-run first. Sophomore Lauren Hardy entered the circle and got Scotty Miller to line out to end the frame.

The Aggies held the Hawks to one run in the second and scoreless in the third before having an opportunity to rally in the home half of the third. After Monmouth starter Olivia Lewis (W, 2-7) retired the first two batters she faced, she walked sophomore Destiny Sims. Williams followed with a single before sophomore Jamari Moss walked to load the bases.

However, Lewis got freshman Jaden James to pop out, stranding three Aggies on base. Monmouth put two more runs on the board in the fourth to take a 7-0 lead. The Hawks' five-run fifth put the game on the verge of ending early. Clare Picone's two-run single aided in the Hawks' big inning.

A&T tried to avoid the run-rule in the home fifth as Sims singled up the middle with one out. Williams doubled to put runners at second and third before Moss grounded out for the second out of the inning. James walked to load the bases, but pinch-hitter Camryn Caldwell grounded out to third to end the game.

Game 2 will start at 1 p.m. at the Lady Aggies Softball Complex.