SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Prairie View A&M softball split Saturday's doubleheader in San Antonio, opening the day with a 5-3 victory over Manhattan before dropping a high-scoring affair to Bradley, 16-12.
Game 1 | Prairie View A&M 5, Manhattan 3
The Panthers opened the day with a solid all-around performance, using timely hitting and strong pitching to secure a 5-3 win over the Jaspers.
Prairie View A&M struck first in the second inning when junior Aryana Cruz crossed the plate to give the Panthers an early 1-0 lead. Manhattan responded to briefly take the advantage, but Prairie View reclaimed momentum in the fifth inning while trailing 2-1, pushing across two runs to regain the lead at 3-2.
The Panthers kept Manhattan off the scoreboard and added insurance in the sixth inning to extend the lead to 4-2. Senior Mia Nunez delivered again in the seventh, scoring the Panthers' final run to make it 5-2. Manhattan plated one run late, but Prairie View held firm to close out the win.
Senior Madalyne Martinez led the way in the circle, striking out seven Jaspers hitters. Offensively, Prairie View out-hit Manhattan 10-5, with four Panthers recording multiple hits. Nunez paced the lineup, going 2-for-3 with a triple and an RBI.
Game 2 | Bradley 16, Prairie View A&M 12
Prairie View A&M showcased its offensive depth in the nightcap, as all nine starters reached base safely, but the Panthers were unable to keep pace with Bradley in a 16-12 loss.
After falling behind 2-0 early, the Panthers' bats came alive in the second inning with a nine-run outburst. Senior Kayla Zaid delivered a three-run groundout, while Nunez added a two-run groundout as Prairie View surged ahead.
Bradley answered to tie the game at nine before Prairie View briefly regained the lead in the fourth inning when senior Caidence Martin scored to put the Panthers up 10-9. The Braves responded with a big fifth inning to take control, building a 14-10 lead. Prairie View cut the deficit to 14-12, but Bradley added two late runs to seal the win.
Nunez continued her strong day at the plate, finishing 2-for-3 with a double, a triple and two RBIs. Prairie View went an impressive 9-for-20 (.450) with runners in scoring position, drew nine walks, and had four hitters collect multiple hits, but left 10 runners stranded in the loss.
The Panthers will look to carry their offensive momentum into the final day of action as they continue tournament play in San Antonio.
