COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Wildcats started Conference play on the Saturday diamond. Fort Valley State bounced back from an opening loss, 9-1 in six innings, and earned the softball split against Benedict College, 8-5.
In the first game leading 1-0, Benedict used an RBI double and a 3-run homer in the home third, before it added two more pairs of scores for the win. Leah Leonard broke open the latter contest with a two-run triple as part of a four-run fourth inning leading the way for the victory.
Of the team's 19 hits in 13 at bats, FVSU (2-7/1-1 SIAC East) saw Jasmin Stewart lead the way with a 4 for 8 day with three runs, a triple, three RBI and a pair of stolen bases. Jennifer Ramirez finished 3 for 6 with a double and one RBI.
Leonard tripled and single with three runs, two RBI and a stolen base. Zayla Skakel singled two times, while Laila Leverett, Riley Youngblood, Avery Thomas, Zoe Molina and Tenison Myricks produced one single each.
Taylor Watson picked up the circle victory as she scattered six hits and two earned runs with four strikeouts over seven innings of the second contest.
FVSU and Benedict will wrap up their 3-game series tomorrow on Sunday (Feb. 23) in a 12 p.m. first pitch.
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