WINSTON-SALEM, NC -- It was a close one on Tuesday, May 3rd in the CIAA Softball Quarterfinals in Winston-Salem, NC, as the No. 5 Fayetteville State Broncos was unable to push that tying run across, and came up one run short of victory, losing to the No. 4 Winston-Salem Rams 3-2.

Braynka Brown (7-7) got the ball to start for Fayetteville State (16-17 overall, 11-5 CIAA) and took the loss. The right-hander went six innings, giving up three runs, two earned, on seven hits, allowing two walks and striking out four.

Mikayla Jackson led the way offensively for the Broncos, going 2-for-3 in the ballgame with a triple and an RBI. Angel Johnson furnished a standout day at the plate as well, going 1-for-3 with a triple and an RBI. Sierra Mitchell also helped out, going 1-for-3 for Fayetteville State with a double.

Winston-Salem State will advance to the CIAA Semifinals round on Friday, May 6, in Glen Allen, Va.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Trailing 2-0, the Broncos first put runs on the board in the third inning. Jackson and Johnson each drove in a run via RBI triple for Fayetteville State in the frame. Winston-Salem then scored one time over the remaining four innings to break the tie and grab the 3-2 win.

GAME NOTES

» Fayetteville State's highest scoring inning was the third, when it pushed two runs across.
» Fayetteville State pitchers limited Winston-Salem to just 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position.
» Fayetteville State pitchers faced 28 Winston-Salem hitters in the game, allowing three ground balls and 10 fly balls while striking out four.
» Jackson led the Broncos at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a triple and an RBI.
» Winston-Salem was led offensively by A. Pullen, who went 3-for-4 with two home runs and two RBI.
» A. Smith led the Rams pitching staff, throwing seven innings of two-run ball.