MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Shania Owens posted her third home run of the season for Bethune-Cookman on Friday evening in an 8-1 loss away to Alabama State during the series opener of a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Softball set at Williams Softball Complex in Montgomery, Alabama.
 
Bethune-Cookman (13-21, 6-3 SWAC) jumped ahead early when Shania Owens homered to left field in the first inning. For the Owens, the home run was her team-leading third of the campaign.
 
However, that would be all the offense the Wildcats could muster against Alabama State pitcher Kohana Pousson on the evening.
 
Alabama State (6-21, 4-6 SWAC) used two big innings to overcome the early deficit, scoring four runs in the third and three more in the fourth to secure the series-opener.
 
Hornets first baseman Bailee Williams answered Owens' blast with a solo home run of her own in the second inning to tie the game at 1-1. Williams would finish 2-for-2 at the dish with four RBIs, reaching base in all three plate appearances as well.
 
ASU broke the game open in the home-half of the third inning with four unearned runs after two B-CU miscues extended the frame. Second baseman Mickey Coslor scored on an error, and Williams delivered the big blow with a bases-clearing double to put the Hornets up 5-1.
 
Alana Scott put the game out of reach in the fourth with a three-run homer down the left field line that scored Makenzie Owens and Brooke Ramsey, respectfully. Scott, the Hornets shortstop, finished the game 1-for-3 with three RBIs, a sacrifice bunt and a stolen base.
 
Wildcats starting pitcher Halyne Gonzalez (7-14) took the loss, allowing eight runs (four earned) on five hits in the complete-game effort in the circle. The Wildcats' defense committed three errors behind her, leading to four unearned runs.
 
Pousson (4-9) went the distance in the pitcher's circle for the homestanding Hornets, scattering six hits and allowing just the one run while striking out three in the contest. The right-hander threw 71 of her 101 pitches for strikes in a commanding performance.
 
B-CU left fielder Emma Bradley-Tse led the Wildcats offensively, going 2-for-3 with a stolen base. Owens added two hits, including the leadoff homer to start the game. The Hornets' victory came despite being outhit 6-5, as they capitalized on B-CU's defensive miscues and timely power hitting.
 
ASU played error-free softball after the opening inning and executed four successful sacrifice bunts in the game.
 
The two teams meet for a series-ending doubleheader back at Williams Softball Complex on Saturday with the first game beginning at 2 p.m. ET (1 p.m. CT).
 
Follow Bethune-Cookman Softball on X/Twitter (@BCUSoftball) and Instagram (@BCUSoftball) for all of the latest news and updates. For all Bethune-Cookman Athletics news, follow us on X/Twitter (@BCUAthletics), Instagram (@BCU_Athletics) and BCUathletics.com.