MONTGOMERY, Ala. --Alabama State University (0-1) softball had four players collect multiple hits, but the Hornets fell to Northern Kentucky University, 12-8, in game one of the 2026 Stinger Classic on Thursday at the Barbara Williams Softball Complex.
Mason Quinnie (0-1) was the pitcher of record, allowing five runs on five hits over 1.1 innings in relief of starter Kohanna Pousson
HOW IT HAPPENED
Trailing 1-0, the Hornets first put runs on the board in the first inning. Alabama State got an RBI single from Talee Sims, scoring Brooke Ramsey from second base.
The Norse then scored three runs to retake their advantage heading into the third inning, when the Hornets responded by getting back on the scoreboard themselves. The Alabama State offense exploded for five runs, highlighted by a two-run double off the bat of Sims and a two-run triple from Arianna Cox-Cole to give ASU a 6-4 lead.
Alabama State's lead had evaporated once the fourth inning arrived and turned into a 7-6 Northern Kentucky advantage when the Hornets tied up the game at seven. The Hornets notched a run on an RBI triple from , scoring from third.
The Norse busted up the tie and grabbed the lead heading into the sixth inning, when Alabama State got back on the scoreboard. Jordyn Ferrandin crossed home plate with the lone run of the inning for the Hornets, bringing the score to 11-8 in favor of Northern Kentucky.
The Hornets were unable to get any closer, as Northern Kentucky added one run to their tally on the way to a 12-8 final.
GAME NOTES
» Sims led the Hornets, compiling three base hits in the ballgame.
» Alabama State's power output was led by T. Sims, who had two extra base hits in the ballgame.
» Alabama State's highest scoring inning was the third, when it pushed five runs across.
» Four Alabama State hitters had multiple base knocks in the ballgame.
» Ramsey stole two bases in Thursday's game.
» Alabama State went 6-for-16 (.375) with runners in scoring position.
» Alabama State pitchers faced 45 Northern Kentucky hitters in the game, allowing eight ground balls and five fly balls while striking out six.
» The Hornets drew four walks from Northern Kentucky pitching.
» T. Sims led the Hornets at the plate, going 3 for 4 with two doubles and three RBI
» Northern Kentucky was led offensively by B. Keltner, who went 2 for 3 with a home run and four RBI.
» A. Byrd led the Norse pitching staff, throwing 4.2 innings of two-run ball.
UP NEXT: Alabama State plays Lindenwood University at 1:30 on Friday in game four of the Stinger Classic.
