ORANGEBURG, SC -- An explosive offensive output was not enough for Fayetteville State on Friday, as the Broncos tallied six runs but could not hold the Lincoln (PA) Lions at bay, ultimately being defeated 7-6. This was the second loss of the double elimination softball championship, causing Fayetteville State Softball's season to come to an end with a record of 12-20.
Junior Tamarah Lowery (5-8) started for Fayetteville State (12-20) and took the loss. At the plate, the Broncos were led by Junior Treja Patterson, who went 2-for-3 on the day with a double, a walk, and an RBI. Sophomore Xztashya Porter also compiled a noteworthy performance, going 1-for-3 with a triple and a walk. Sophomore Aniya Caldwell contributed as well, putting together one hit in four trips to the plate while adding an RBI.
The Broncos got the scoring started early, putting one run on the board in the top of the first inning. Fayetteville State scored twice, with one run coming across on Patterson's single. The Lions then gained ground, narrowing the lead to 2-1 until the Broncos expanded their advantage in the third. Freshman Cheyenne Payne came across to score the lone run of the inning for Fayetteville State, bringing the score to 3-1 in favor of the Broncos.
Lincoln (PA) came back to tie the ballgame at three before Fayetteville State reclaimed a 6-3 advantage in the sixth inning. However, the Broncos were unable to hold the lead, as Lincoln (PA) scored four times over the remaining one inning to grab the 7-6 win. Notably, Lincoln (PA) had a player ejected at the bottom of the sixth for colliding with the catcher. Despite this turn of events, Fayetteville State was not able to capitalize, getting out in the top of the seventh while leaving two runners on base.
Fayetteville State's highest scoring inning was the sixth, when it pushed three runs across. Payne stole two bases in Friday's game. Fayetteville State pitchers faced 32 Lincoln (PA) hitters in the game, allowing three ground balls and 13 fly balls. Patterson led the Broncos at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI. Lincoln (PA) was led offensively by sophomore Aliya Rose, who went 2-for-4 with a triple and two RBI. Sophomore Chloe Foster led the Lions' pitching staff, throwing 1.2 innings of one-run ball.
