COVINGTON, Ga. – The Wildcats took early-season steps for 2025 success on Friday. Fort Valley State plated three first-inning runs and never trailed in a 5-1 win over Claflin University, but Alabama A&M edged a 3-2 late win on the first day of the HBCU Invitational.

Leah Leonard doubled in the first and Jasmin Stewart singled in the second FVSU (1-4) run of a 3-run first at bat. Tenison Myricks would not need any more offensive support as she scattered three hits and one run while she fanned nine for her first collegiate win.

Trailing 2-1 in the home fifth, Leonard tied it up with a one-out solo home run to center. Alabama A&M answered back with its own two-out solo home run in the top of the sixth and held on for the 3-2 win.

The Wildcats won their first game of the year as it was their first time scoring more than two runs. FVSU, though, has come up short in its three one-run decisions.

FVSU recorded 17 hits in the 14 at bats for the two contests. Leonard led the way with a 4 for 6 day with three runs, a solo homer, a run-scoring double and two RBI.

Stewart and Ashtyn Perkins added a trio of their own hits. Stewart was 3 for 8 with a pair of RBI, while Perkins lined three hits from her lead-off spot with three runs.

Laila Leverett hit 2 for 4 in the first contest with a run scored and one RBI. Jennifer Ramirez chipped in a single in each game with a RBI and a stolen base.

Riley Youngblood and Taylor Orr completed the FVSU hitting.

Myricks earned her first collegiate victory. The freshman gave up only one run on a wild pitch in the bottom of the fifth and struck out nine.

Gabrielle Stonecypher had a strong late-game effort in the circle. The freshman went the distance where she gave up six hits, two earned runs and three walks, while she struck out three.

FVSU has two NCAA DI foes on the docket for Saturday with a 10 a.m. game against Grambling State and a 12 p.m. contest versus Southern University.

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