GAME 1 | Fayetteville State 4, Shaw 3
FAYETTEVILLE, NC -- The Fayetteville State softball team delivered a Senior Day moment to remember on Monday, rallying late to earn a 4–3 walk-off win over Shaw in game one of the doubleheader at Lamon Street Park.
Fayetteville State entered the contest at 18–19 overall, while Shaw pushed the Broncos throughout the afternoon before ultimately falling on the final swing. With the score tied at three in the bottom of the seventh, freshman Sydney Jackson came through in dramatic fashion, lining a single to left field to score A'Leah Wilson and seal the victory for the Broncos.
The Broncos struck first in the bottom of the second inning, using patience and timely hitting to build an early cushion. After Shaw committed an error to open the frame, Fayetteville State took advantage with a pair of walks to load the bases. A'Leah Wilson then drove a two-run single into left field to put the Broncos on the board. Moments later, Isabella Rumbold added to the lead with an RBI single to center, giving Fayetteville State a 3–0 advantage after two innings.
Shaw answered in the third inning, trimming the deficit with a pair of runs. The Bears continued to apply pressure and capitalized on an unearned run in the fourth to knot the game at 3–3, setting the stage for a tightly contested finish.
In the circle, Fayetteville State relied on a pair of freshmen to navigate the challenge. Tamarah Lowery set the tone early, tossing three shutout innings while allowing just one hit and striking out four. Laila Holloway followed and earned the win to move to 4–4 on the season, working four innings and limiting Shaw to three runs, two earned, while keeping the game within reach.
The Broncos had chances to regain the lead in the middle innings, highlighted by a strong day at the plate from Xztashya Porter, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two doubles. Porter was a constant presence in scoring position, including a sixth-inning double and stolen base that put the winning run 60 feet away.
Fayetteville State finally broke through in the seventh. Wilson worked a leadoff walk and advanced into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt. After stealing third base, Wilson sprinted home when Jackson delivered the decisive hit, sending the Broncos pouring out of the dugout to celebrate the walk-off win on Senior Day.
Shaw was led offensively by Imari Jordan, who finished 2-for-3 with an RBI, while Syhia Marks anchored the Bears' pitching effort with 3.1 innings of one-run softball.
The victory gave Fayetteville State momentum heading into game two and capped a memorable afternoon as the Broncos honored their seniors with a hard-fought, emotional win in front of the home crowd.
