DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Savannah State used a complete-game performance from pitcher Amanda Hallman to take the series finale from Bethune-Cookman, 4-1 in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) softball action on Sunday afternoon at Sunnyland Park. Despite the loss, BCU claimed the series with a doubleheader sweep of the Tigers on Saturday.
 
Savannah State (6-13, 1-2 MEAC) opened the scoring first in the top of the second inning when third baseman Cortni Jones led off with a home run to straight away center field. That put the visitors up, 1-0.
 
The Tigers added three runs in the top of the fourth to extend the lead at 4-0.
 
Drea Lesure singled and stole second to work her way into scoring position, only to score three batters later off the end of an Amanda Hallman two-run scoring double down the left field line. That plated Lesure and Jones, respectfully.
 
A Shayna Byers double inside the bag at third brought around Hallman for the score.
 
Bethune-Cookman (16-19, 2-1 MEAC) chipped into the lead with a run in the bottom of the sixth inning.
 
Pinch hitter Kaiya Epps-Lee stepped into the box, delivering a double to the wall in right center with one out. She would eventually score as shortstop Jacki Smith singled past the glove of Jones at third.
 
That produced the final 4-1 score line in favor of the Tigers.
 
The win went to Hallman (4-7) as she worked the full seven innings, allowing just one run on eight hits scattered, three walks and collecting a strikeout. The loss went to BCU's Alexis Bermudez (6-7) as she went 3.2 innings on the rubber, surrendering four runs on five hits and picking up a strikeout.
 
Sophomore pitcher Mariah Estrada worked the final 3.1 innings in the circle for the Wildcats as she scattered three hits, walked one and fanned two.
 
The BCU bats were led by Mariah Davis with a 2-for-4 performance, as well as catcher Taylor Sherritt with a 2-for-3 day at the plate.
 
Bethune-Cookman next visits UCF on Tuesday, March 27, at 6 p.m. for a single contest in Orlando, Florida.
 
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