SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Fayetteville State dropped its opening game at the Tyger River Invitational on Sunday morning, falling 10–2 to Mars Hill in five innings. The setback moves the Broncos to 1–4 on the season, while the Lions improve to 12–3.

Mars Hill struck early, posting three runs in the first inning on four hits, including RBI singles from Sara Rexrode and Leah Grimes and a sacrifice fly by Sadie Cecil.

The Lions added four more in the second, highlighted by back‑to‑back home runs. Camryn Sterling led off the frame with a solo shot to left, and two batters later, Maia Sholter launched a three‑run homer to push the deficit to 7–0.

Fayetteville State capitalized on defensive miscues in the third inning to pull closer. With two runners aboard, A'Leah Wilson reached on a throwing error, allowing Cheyenne Payne and Sydney Jackson to score and trim the score to 7–2. Jackson recorded the Broncos' lone hit of the game.

Mars Hill responded with single runs in the fourth and fifth innings, including Sholter's second home run of the contest and an RBI single from B. Weimer, to secure the run‑rule victory.

Pitcher Karly Gentry (2–1) earned the win for Mars Hill, holding the Broncos to one hit and no earned runs while striking out four. Tamarah Lowery (1–1) took the loss after allowing seven runs in 1.1 innings. Laila Holloway tossed three innings of relief, giving up three runs on eight hits.

Sholter powered the Lions' offense with a 3‑for‑4, four‑RBI performance that included two home runs. Rexrode and Sterling each added multi-hit outings.

Payne scored once and stole a base to lead FSU, while Jackson finished 1‑for‑2 with a run.

Fayetteville State continues tournament play later today at Tyger River Stadium.