TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Desirae Martinez went 3-for-3 at the plate while Halyne Gonzalez pitched seven shutout innings on Sunday with Bethune-Cookman capturing an 8-3 series-clinching Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Softball victory over Florida A&M at FAMU Stadium.
 
Bethune-Cookman (6-20, 4-2 SWAC) put a run on the board early with Kayla Traylor scoring on a wild pitch to put BCU up 1-0 in the top of the first inning.
 
In the second inning, the first five (5) batters reached safely for the Wildcats en route to putting five runs on the board, respectfully.
 
Catcher Jordyn Villanueva led off the inning being hit by a pitch, and later scoring on a Joslynn Davis single to advance the BCU lead at 2-0.
 
On the ensuing play, designated player Essence Gibbs reached safely on an error charged to the FAMU infield, allowing Shania Owens to score on the play. Davis would later come in on a wild pitch from Florida A&M (10-12, 4-2 SWAC) reliever Lauryn Peppers.
 
Desirae Martinez put the Cats up 4-0 with an RBI single through the left side, followed by  Villanueva being hit by a pitch to earn a RBI walk with the bases loaded, putting the Maroon and Gold up 6-0 midway through the second inning.
 
BCU added to the lead with a pair of runs in the top of the fourth.
 
Owens delivered a two-run scoring double to left to plate Samantha Kelley and Martinez in order to increase the Wildcats lead, 8-0.
 
FAMU would put up three runs in the home-half of the fifth, including a two-run double to right center from Kiauna Watson.
 
The win went to Wildcats starting pitcher Halyne Gonzalez (5-10), as she turned in seven innings in the circle, scattering four hits with five walks and five strikeouts. Victoria Guzman worked the opening portion of the fifth inning for the Maroon and Gold, being tagged for three runs on three hits.
 
The loss went to FAMU starter Nadia Zenteno (4-4), as she went just one inning in the circle, surrendering five runs (two earned) on three hits. Cris'Deona Beasley went 5.1 innings for the Rattlers, allowing two runs on three hits, three walks and three strikeouts.
 
FAMU was led offensively by Watson's 2-for-2 performance with a run scored.
 
Bethune-Cookman used Martinez's 3-for-3 outing at the plate with an RBI and run. Owens was 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run.
 
The Wildcats are back in action Tuesday, March 21, welcoming Florida Atlantic to Sunnyland Park for a nonconference doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.
 
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