DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bethune-Cookman used timely hitting and took advantage of an early Alabama State error to secure a 5-3 win over the Hornets in SWAC softball action Friday at Sunnyland Park.

Alabama State (9-18, 3-1) struck first in the top of the opening inning. With two runners in scoring position, Alana Scott delivered a two-out single to right field that brought home two runs and gave the Hornets an early 2-0 lead.

Bethune-Cookman (8-18, 4-0) responded immediately in the bottom half. After reaching base, Zariah Billinger came around to score when Aysiah Gonzalez reached on a fielding error, helping the Wildcats tie the game with two runs in the inning.

The Wildcats began the third with three straight hits, including a two RBI single by Kween Taula that gave B-CU a 4-2 advantage.

Alabama State chipped away in the sixth inning when Scott drove in her third run of the game with a double, trimming the deficit to 4-3.

Bethune-Cookman answered in the bottom half of the inning as Jessica Alaan singled to left-center to score Alana Cypress, pushing the lead to 5-3.

Wildcats pitcher Mia Gonzalez went the distance, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out five to earn the win.

Scott led Alabama State offensively with two hits and three RBIs, while Brooke Ramsey also collected two hits for the Hornets.

B-CU and Alabama State finish out the series tomorrow with a double-header, beginning at 1 p.m. from Sunnyland Park.



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