MACON, Ga. | The Alabama State Uniersity softgball team had a tough go falling to the Jacksonville Dolphins 7-3  on Friday, at the Mercer Invitational.

Senior Leah Richardson went 2-for-4 with two RBI.

Freshman Kaitlyn Hill (0-5) started and took the loss in the circle for Alabama State (0-12).

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Hornets were trailing 6-0 in the third inning when they first put runs on the board. Sophomore Makenzie Owens came across to score the lone run of the inning for Alabama State and get them on the board.

The Dolphins expanded their lead to 7-1 before the Hornets offense got back to work, cutting into that lead in the seventh. Alabama State picked up two runs when a single from Richardson scored freshman Meshayla Pettaway and junior Brooke Ramsey, which brought the score to 7-3 in favor of the Dolphins. The Hornets were unable to get any closer, as neither team scored again in the ballgame.

GAME NOTES

» Alabama State's highest scoring inning was the seventh, when it pushed two runs across.
» Alabama State pitchers faced 37 Jacksonville hitters in the game, allowing 11 ground balls and seven fly balls while striking out two.
» The Hornets drew four walks from Jacksonville pitching.
» Richardson led the Hornets at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two RBI.
» Jacksonville was led offensively by sophomore Jazz Jones, who went 2-for-2 with a double and two RBI.
» Freshman Karson Johnson led the Dolphins pitching staff, throwing five innings of one-run ball.

Alabama State plays Middle Tennessee State on Saturday at 2 p.m. (CT).