MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The top four hitters from Alabama State University combined for eight hits and six runs scored as the Lady Hornets opened conference play with an 8-3 victory over the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Friday night at the Barbara Williams Softball Complex.
 
Alabama State scored early in the first following a Laura Aguilar triple, as the senior would score on a Valerie Centeno RBI groundout to the game 1-1 heading to the second inning – an inning in which Alabama State exploded. In the second inning, Kaylee Davis led the inning off with a bunt single, which was followed by another bunt single from Brittney Wilson. The throw to get Davis went wide at third, allowing the speedy sophomore to score for a 2-1 lead.
 
The scoring continued when Aguilar connected for her second consecutive triple to score Wilson for the 3-1 lead, and would score when Centeno single to right for a 4-1 lead. Centeno would come around to score on a passed ball, before Kendall Core drove in Perry Hindi for the final run of the inning and a 6-1 lead.
 
The Lady Hornets would a run in each the fourth and fifth for the final margin, highlighted by a Centeno home run – her first of the season – in the fifth inning.
 
Centeno led the Lady Hornets at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three runs batted in and two runs scored; while Aguilar finished 2-for-4 with two runs scored and a run batted in. Meanwhile, Core and Charlene Castro each finished 2-for-3; while Hindi scored a pair of runs.
 
Vanessa Bradford (6-6) picked up the win in her second complete game of the season, giving up just three runs (two earned) off of four hits. She walked three and struck out four in the win.
 
Alabama State returns to action Saturday afternoon against Arkansas-Pine Bluff (5-16, 0-1 SWAC) in a doubleheader beginning at 1 pm.
 
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