Alcorn State University and the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff each claimed a win on April 23 as they split a Southwestern Athletic Conference softball doubleheader at the Alcorn Softball Complex in Lorman, Mississippi. The Braves won the first game 8-4, while the Golden Lions took the second game by a score of 8-7.
The results matter for both teams as they continue their SWAC schedules and seek to improve their records before postseason play. Each team showed strong offensive performances, but also struggled with defensive errors throughout the day.
In game one, Chiara Olison pitched a complete game for Alcorn State, allowing four runs on six hits. Yahnya Acevedo was key at the plate with a two-run triple during a five-run second inning that gave Alcorn an early lead. Olivia Miller and Karmen Bernard contributed RBI singles to fuel that rally. The Braves played error-free defense to secure their victory despite late efforts from UAPB.
Game two saw Arkansas-Pine Bluff build an early lead thanks to several Alcorn errors. Janiah Wilson’s two-run single capped off a four-run second inning for UAPB. Despite falling behind 6-0 after three innings, Alcorn rallied back with unearned runs in later frames—highlighted by RBI singles from Acevedo and Rajayla McBride as well as Mariah Morgan’s two-run triple—but ultimately fell short when Traelen Humphrey earned her first save of the season for UAPB.
Acevedo finished with seven hits across both games to lead all batters on Thursday. For UAPB, Kaydrian Fields contributed both as pitcher and hitter over the course of the doubleheader.
The teams are scheduled to play again Friday at noon to conclude their three-game series, followed by completion of an earlier contest halted due to weather.
