Box Score Spartanburg, SC – The Albany State University Lady Golden Rams started their HBCU Softball Classic campaign on a strong note, securing a 14-8 victory over Virginia Union in their opening game. However, inclement weather led to multiple schedule disruptions, postponing Game 2 against Shaw University and ultimately canceling Games 3 and 4 against Livingstone and Bowie State. The Lady Golden Rams hope to return to action tomorrow at 12 PM against Fayetteville State.

Game 1 Recap: Albany State 14, Virginia Union 8
Albany State's offense exploded with 16 hits, capitalizing on early scoring opportunities to build momentum. The Lady Golden Rams struck first with a four-run first inning, highlighted by Morgan Brown's two-run double and Amari Mapps' RBI double. After Virginia Union responded with a five-run surge over the first two innings to take a 5-4 lead, ASU answered in the third inning with five runs of their own. Madison Hurt's two-run triple jump-started the rally, followed by Romona McLeod's RBI double and an unearned run to regain control at 9-5.

The Lady Rams extended their lead in the fourth inning after capitalizing on defensive miscues by Virginia Union. Tiana McFarland and Raven Dunham both reached on errors, allowing ASU to push their lead to 11-5. Virginia Union added three runs in the fifth inning to cut the deficit to 11-8, but Albany State sealed the game in the seventh with a three-run frame, thanks to RBI contributions from Morgan Brown, Aniyah Dixon, and De'Lanyie Hollis.


Madison Hurt went  2-for-6 at the plate, recording two RBIs and scoring two runs. Morgan Brown went 3-for-5, registering three RBIs and scored one run. Romona McLeod contributed one RBI  and also scored three runs while Amari Mapp went 2-for-3 and added one RBI. Mary Hulsey started the game, pitching one inning, allowing three hits and four runs (three earned). Kaliyah Smith Barnes (W, 2-3) came in relief and delivered six solid innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits while striking out five batters.

Following the victory over Virginia Union, ASU's second game against Shaw University was postponed due to weather concerns. Persistent rain later led to the cancelation of scheduled matchup against Livingstone and Bowie State.

Up Next
The Lady Golden Rams hope to resume action on Sunday, February 16, at 12 PM against Fayetteville State, pending weather conditions. The tournament schedule remains fluid as organizers assess field conditions. Albany State aims to keep its momentum going despite the disruptions, looking to finish the HBCU Softball Classic on a strong note. Stay tuned for further updates on game status

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ABOUT ALBANY STATE ATHLETICS
Albany State University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II-level intercollegiate athletic program. The university currently fields teams in 11 sports: women's volleyball, women's tennis, women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, softball, men's and women's track and field, women's soccer, baseball, and football with all teams compete in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), except women's soccer, which participates in the Peach Belt Conference.