HUNTSVILLE, Ala. | Alabama State scored early, but had no answer to a pair of goals from Alabama A&M, falling to their in-state rival 2-1 Friday afternoon in the regular season finale.

Alabama State (5-14, 4-6 SWAC) jumped ahead in the 11th minute on a goal from Ashley Thomas – her fourth on the season – to take a 1-0 lead. The goal came on one of eight shots for the Hornets in the opening half, who then recorded 10 shots in the second half.

However, Alabama A&M (9-8-1, 7-3 SWAC) responded with a pair of goals to close out the first half, the first coming in the 33rd minute from Braejah Washington to tie the match at 1-all. The Bulldogs took the lead, and held on, with a goal in the 41st minute from D'Essence Burnett – her seventh of the season.

Alabama State will now await their opponent for the opening round of the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament (SWAC) that begins next week in Prairie View (Texas).

Quotable from head coach Jodie Smith
"This was your typical Alabama State-Alabama A&M game, end to end and hard fought. We came up short today, but I was really pleased with our work rate. We got an early goal and were playing well, organized and doing a good job of keeping the ball. But we had two lapses and that was the difference." – Smith on the game

"We have to regroup and head to Houston for the SWAC Tournament. It is definitely a year where anyone can win it." – Smith on the upcoming tournament

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