COVINGTON, Ga. – The Wildcats were close to adding to the victory today on Saturday. Fort Valley State produced five multiple-run innings, but fell short in close losses to NCAA DI foes Grambling State, 14-12, and Southern University, 7-6, on the second day of the HBCU Invitational.

After the Tigers put 11 runs on the scoreboard in the top of the first, the Wildcats bore down and answered with a dozen runs out of the third, fifth and sixth at bats for a 13-12 score. FVSU fell shy of completing the full comeback after leaving the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh.

Trailing 4-2 in the top of the fifth, Jennifer Ramirez lined a three-run double and completed a 4-run inning for her team's first lead of the day, 6-4. Southern, though, answered right back with three in the home fifth and kept FVSU off the scoreboard in the final two at bats.

Leading the Wildcat offense, Leah Leonard went 6 for 8 with a perfect 4 for 4 opener. She added three runs, a triple, and five RBI. Jasmin Stewart logged a 5 for 9 afternoon with a home run and two RBI.

Ramirez finished with a double and two singles. Laila Leverett and Tenison Myricks both doubled, while Zayla Skakel singled in each contest.

FVSU completes its weekend with a 12 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 16) contest against South Carolina State.

-Wildcats-