MACON, Ga. – The Alabama State University softball team battled back from an early deficit, but came up short in their regular season finale, falling to Mercer University 7-2 at Sikes Field Wednesday afternoon.
Mercer (24-29) struck first in the bottom half of the second inning as they took advantage of pair of Lady Hornet miscues, taking a 1-0 lead on a two-out single down the left field line by Megan Lane that scored Shaila Warren from second.
The Bears extended their lead in the bottom of the third inning using back-to-back home runs by Quirisa Mauga (two-run) and Emma Andrew to build a 4-0 lead. Mercer would add another run in the inning on a single by Lane to extend the lead to 5-0.
Alabama State (16-31) battled back after the big inning by the Bears with a run in the fourth inning to trim the deficit to 5-1.
Valerie Centeno collected her second hit of the day with a bunt down the third base line, followed by another bunt off the bat of
Kendall Core. Centeno would come around to score when
Diauna Nelson singled to right, driving Core to third but that was all the Lady Hornets could get in the frame.
The Lady Hornets would add another run in the fifth when
Laura Aguilar led off the inning with a walk and would advance to second on a miscue by Mercer. After a single by Centeno, her third hit of the day, Aguilar would score on a wild pitch to trim the deficit to 5-2.
The Bears would add a pair of insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth inning for the final margin of victory.
Centeno finished 3-for-4 with a run scored, while Nelson drove in one run for the Lady Hornets.
Charlene Castro finished 1-for-3 with a double, while
Kaylee Davis and Core each reached base twice in the loss.
Justine Jean (4-12) suffered the loss for Alabama State, working six innings and allowing seven runs off of 11 hits; while striking out one. Meanwhile, Megan Bilgri (11-7) picked up the win for Mercer working four innings and allowing four hits and one run, while striking out two. Stela Preston picked up seventh save of the season, working 2.1 innings and giving her the national lead in saves.
The Lady Hornets are off until next week when they open play in the SWAC Championship Tournament at the Barbara Williams Softball Complex, beginning May 10.
For more information on Alabama State University athletics, follow us on Twitter @BamaStateSports and like us on Facebook. For more information on Alabama State softball, follow us on Twitter @BamaStateSB and like us on Facebook.
