A six-run seventh inning broke open a tight contest as Alcorn State defeated PVAMU 9-2 in the series opener on Friday afternoon.

A PVAMU fielding error paved the way for Alcorn State's first run in the third followed by a sacrifice fly for an early 2-0 margin. PVAMU would answer with a run in the bottom of the third as Peyton Simms led off with a bunt single and stole third. Shelby Williams' speed on a bunt attempt caused ASU to overreact as its starting pitcher overthrew first base and paved the way for Simms to score the team's first run. The Lady Panthers had had runners on first and second following the run but couldn't capitalize as the inning ended with a strikeout.

ASU moved ahead 3-1 on Madison Chitwood's solo homer in the fourth and PVAMU dropped another opportunity to counter in the bottom frame as Kylar Ward-Flowers was thrown out at home attempting to score.

With one out in the fifth, freshman Laurisa Hernandez hit a solo homer over the center field fence to draw PVAMU within 3-2. Pinch hitter Regan McIlvenna drew a walk with two outs followed by Amanda Ford's single which advanced McIlvenna to third. However, the rally stalled as the inning ended with a PVAMU strikeout.

With one out in the seventh, the momentum swung heavily in ASU's favor as they went up 4-2 on an RBI single which prompted a PVAMU pitching change. ASU remained red hot as Montana Holyfield hit a grand slam for an 8-2 lead followed by another run on a PVAMU error which the Lady Panthers would never recover from.

Simms led PVAMU with a 2-for-3 outing while Williams and Hernandez both had an RBI. Ashley Higgins fell to 1-6 on the season on the mound.

The series concludes Saturday with a noon doubleheader.