MONTGOMERY, Ala. - A three-run fourth inning by Alabama State was the difference as PVAMU dropped a 3-1 decision in its SWAC opener Friday afternoon.

The Lady Panthers moved ahead 1-0 after the second inning as Taylor Harvill led off with a double and scored on an RBI bunt single by Kylar Ward-Flowers. Laurisa Hernandez drew a four-pitch walk but PVAMU couldn't capitalize as they left two runners on base.

The Lady Panther defense was rolling until the fourth as Bama State hit a one-out double and tied the game on an RBI single. A hit batter put two runners on base and an RBI double by Bama State broke the tie for a 2-1 lead. A pitching change was made by the Lady Panthers as Monica Cartwright was inserted for Ashley Higgins and Cartwright came in and recorded a quick strikeout. However, Bama State hit a full count RBI single on the ensuing at-bat for a 3-1 lead.

PVAMU had a hit in the fifth and sixth innings but that would be the only offense they could muster from that point.

Briana Knowles and Harvill both had doubles for PVAMU while Higgins was tagged with the loss. Cartwight had three strikeouts in 2.2 innings of relief.

The series ends on Saturday as both teams will play a doubleheader at 1 p.m.