NORMAN, Okla. | Alabama State softball battled throughout but couldn't overcome a powerful offensive surge from Sam Houston State, falling 9–3 on Friday morning at Love's Field.

Sam Houston struck first in the second inning when Veronica Harrison launched a solo home run to left-center. The Bearkats added two more in the third, capitalizing on a walk and back-to-back extra‑base hits from Sophia Lundstrom and Bella Perez to take a 3–0 lead.

A four‑run fourth inning proved to be the turning point. After an HBP and bunt single loaded the bases, a defensive miscue allowed the first run to score. Two walks and a two‑run single from Perez pushed the Sam Houston advantage to 7–0.

Alabama State responded in the bottom half of the inning. Back‑to‑back walks set up Tiffany Brus, who ripped a two‑run double into right‑center to cut the deficit to 7–2. Brus led the Hornets' offense with two hits and two RBI.

In the seventh, Abbey Papadimitriou added insurance for Sam Houston with a two‑run homer down the left‑field line, extending the lead to 9–2.

The Hornets continued to fight in their final at‑bat. Singles by Jaibriel Ter—who recorded a team‑high three hits—and Ayana Frank set the table. Talee Sims drove in Ter with a fielder's‑choice RBI, but Sam Houston reliever Madison Jenkins induced a popup to end the game.

Top Performers for Alabama State
• Jaibriel Ter: 3-for-4, 1 run
• Tiffany Brus: 2-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI
• Ayana Frank: 1-for-3, 1 run, 1 BB

Pitching Notes
Starter Kaitlyn Hill worked 3.1 innings, allowing five hits and three earned runs. Kohana Pouss threw the final 3.2 innings in relief, giving up two earned runs without issuing a strikeout.

Final Line
Sam Houston State 9 runs, 8 hits, 1 error
Alabama State 3 runs, 7 hits, 1 error

Despite the loss, the Hornets showed resilience at the plate and generated late momentum. They'll look to build on Friday's offensive highlights as they continue tournament play in Norman.