GAME 2 | Fayetteville State 12, Chestnut Hill 4
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Fayetteville State found its offensive rhythm early and never let up. Behind a relentless lineup and a poised outing from pitcher Laila Holloway, the Broncos secured a commanding 12–4 win over Chestnut Hill in Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader.
The victory moves Fayetteville State to 4–9 on the season, while Chestnut Hill drops to 3-3.
After jumping ahead 2–0 in the first inning, the Broncos erupted for a seven‑run second inning that put the game firmly in their control. Holloway worked five full innings to earn the win, allowing seven hits and four earned runs while staying steady through Chestnut Hill's brief push in the fifth.
At the top of the lineup, Cheyenne Payne continued to blossom as a tone‑setter. She reached base three times, driving in two runs and scoring twice, including sparking the second‑inning avalanche with a single and later a two‑RBI knock. Fellow teammate A'Leah Wilson turned in one of her strongest performances of the season, finishing 3-for-4 with two stolen bases and two runs scored.
Treja Patterson added a productive day of her own with a hit, two walks, and two RBIs, while Isabella Rumbold delivered a hit and two RBIs to help fuel the explosive early surge.
Fayetteville State wasted no time applying pressure. Payne's leadoff walk, followed by a Wilson single and stolen base, set the stage for RBI opportunities. Rumbold forced in a run with a bases‑loaded walk, and Claira Stone capped the inning with an RBI single to make it 2–0.
The second inning saw the Broncos' offense at its most dynamic. Five hits, an error, and disciplined plate approaches kept the bases constantly filled. Xztashya Porter punched a two‑run infield single, Payne added a two‑run shot through the infield, and Rumbold dropped a bunt RBI to extend the lead to 9–0.
Chestnut Hill battled back with a four‑run burst in the top of the fifth behind a two‑run double from Mikayla Pengelly, followed by an RBI double from Katelyn Childress and an RBI single from Pearl McKay, cutting the deficit to 9–4.
But the Broncos shut the door quickly. Payne and Wilson again ignited a scoring sequence, with both reaching to start the inning before scoring on a pair of defensive miscues and Patterson's RBI single, stretching the lead to 12–4 and ending any hopes of a comeback.
Wilson led Fayetteville State with three hits, while Payne finished 2-for-3 and Porter, Stone, Jackson, and Rumbold each added key contributions in a 10‑hit attack. The Broncos were exceptional with runners in scoring position, going 7-for-14, and continued their aggressive base-running with multiple steals and pressure‑inducing play.
For Chestnut Hill, Pengelly paced the offense with her two‑RBI double, and McKay notched a team‑high three hits across the two games. Michelle Baker provided 2.2 innings of relief for the Griffins in Game 2.
The Broncos' Game 2 performance showcased an offense that is beginning to click, powered by players who are gaining confidence and chemistry.
The Broncos will return to their home field at Lamon Street Park on Monday, March 9th at 2pm and 4 pm to play Bluefield (Va.).
