MACON, Ga. | Alabama State softball took a 7-5 lead into the seventh inning, but could not hold on and fell 8-7 to the Middle Tennessee State University at the Mercer Invitational on Saturday.

Sophomore Kohana Pouson (6-8) took the loss in the circle for Alabama State (0-13).

In the batter's box, the Hornets were led by senior Alexia Denby, who went 2-for-4 on the day with a home run and two RBI. Senior Leah Richardson compiled a noteworthy day at the dish as well, going 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBI. Freshman Ayana Frank also contributed for Alabama State, putting together one hit in two trips to the plate while adding two RBI.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Hornets got on the scoreboard first, starting in the second inning. Denby came across to score the lone run of the inning for Alabama State and get them on the board.

The Raiders then rallied to score three runs and take a 3-1 lead before the Hornets got back on the board in the third. Alabama State scored twice on Richardson's two-run homer, which evened the score at 3-3.

Middle Tennessee broke that tie and grabbed a 5-3 lead heading into the sixth, when Alabama State grabbed the advantage at 7-5. The Hornets bats heated up in the inning, scoring four runs, including a two-run home run off the bat of Denby. The Hornets were unable to hold the lead, as Middle Tennessee scored three times over the remaining one inning to grab the 8-7 win.

GAME NOTES

» Alabama State's highest scoring inning was the sixth, when it pushed four runs across.
» Alabama State went 3-for-9 (.333) with runners in scoring position.
» Alabama State pitchers faced 34 Middle Tennessee hitters in the game, allowing seven ground balls and seven fly balls while striking out four.
» Denby led the Hornets at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI.
» Middle Tennessee was led offensively by junior Lexi Medlock, who went 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and three RBI.
» Junior Mary Martinez led the Raiders pitching staff, throwing 1.2 shutout innings.

UConn 8, Alabama Stte 0 (Game 2)

MACON, Ga. --Senior Payton Kinney and freshman Stella Kiemele combined to throw a shutout as the University of Coneneticut (UConn) claimed an 8-0 win over Alabama State softball on Saturday.

Sophomore Kohana Pouson (0-3) got the ball to start for Alabama State (0-14) and took the loss.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Alabama State managed zero chances with runners on third in the shutout, going a total of 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position. The Hornets last got a runner on third in the fifth, when junior JaNiyah Boykin made it 60 feet away from scoring with one out.

GAME NOTES

» Alabama State pitchers faced 35 UConn hitters in the game, allowing six ground balls and seven fly balls while striking out one.
» Senior Leah Richardson led the Hornets at the plate, going 2-for-2.
» UConn was led offensively by junior Kaitlyn Kibling, who went 2-for-2 with three RBI.
» Kinney led the Huskies pitching staff, throwing three shutout innings.

Up Next: Alabama State takes on UConn to close out the Mercer University Tournament on Sunday at 8 a.m.

Up Next: Alabama State vs. UCON on Sunday.