RALEIGH, N.C. – Sydney Jackson delivered a dominant offensive performance as Fayetteville State (9-11, 1-1 CIAA) defeats Virginia State, 4–1, in CIAA Round-Up action, using two swing-changing home runs and strong pitching to secure the victory.
Fayetteville State struck quickly in the bottom of the first inning. Cheyenne Payne opened the game with a single and stole second before advancing to third on a flyout. Jackson followed with a two-run home run to straightaway center, giving the Broncos an early 2–0 lead and setting the tone for the game.
Virginia State threatened at times but was largely kept in check through the opening frames. Lauren Parham paced the Trojans offensively, recording three singles and accounting for much of Virginia State's base-running pressure. Fayetteville State's defense responded each time, limiting the damage and stranding runners.
The Broncos extended the lead in the third inning. After A'leah Wilson reached on a single and stole second, Jackson struck again, launching her second two-run homer of the game to push Fayetteville State's advantage to 4–0. Jackson finished the contest driving in all four of the Broncos' runs and was the offensive leader of the game.
Virginia State broke through in the sixth inning. Parham singled and later scored on an RBI double by Shomya Hankins, trimming the margin to 4–1. The Trojans continued to apply pressure, but Fayetteville State's pitching and defense closed the door, forcing the final outs in both the sixth and seventh innings.
Jackson led Fayetteville State at the plate, finishing 2-for-3 with two home runs and four RBIs. Payne reached base twice, stole a base, and scored, while Wilson added a hit, a stolen base, and scored a run. Virginia State was led by Parham's three-hit performance and Hankins' RBI double.
The win adds another conference result for Fayetteville State as both programs continue CIAA play during the Round-Up.
The Broncos return to action tomorrow, March 27, with a 3:30 p.m. match-up against Bowie State, followed by a 6:00 p.m. contest against Lincoln (Pa.) as play continues in Raleigh.
