DUNCAN, S.C. -- The Bowie State softball picked up its first win of the 2024 season, downing Albany State (2-5), 9-1 day one of the CIAA/SIAC HBCU Softball Challenge. Akirra Pullen and Sydney Edmond each collected three RBIs to help power the Bulldogs past the Golden Rams on Friday at Tyger River Park.

Pullen (1-1) got the win for Bowie State (1-2). The right-hander went five innings, giving up one run on six hits, allowing one walk and striking out four. Edmond went 2-for-3 at the plate with a triple in addition to her three RBIs and Pullen put together a 2-for-3 day with a double, supplementing her three RBI performance for the Bulldogs. Aliyah Smith compiled a standout day at the plate as well, going 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bulldogs got on the scoreboard first, starting in the second inning. Bowie State's offense started clicking and put up five runs, including a two-run double off the bat of Smith and a two-run triple from Edmond.

BSU then held the Golden Rams scoreless before getting back on the board the very next inning. The Bulldogs offense exploded for four runs, highlighted by a two-run double off the bat of Pullen, which brought the score to 9-0 in favor of the Bulldogs. ASU put one run on the scoreboard before the game was over, but BSU still coasted to the 9-1 win.

GAME NOTES
» Edmond and Pullen drove in three runs each for the Bulldogs.
» Bowie State's highest scoring inning was the second, when it pushed five runs across.
» BSU had control of the rest of the game after moving ahead of the Golden Rams 5-0 in the bottom of the second.
» Four Bulldogs had multiple hits in the ballgame.
» BSU out-hit the Golden Rams at a 9-6 clip.
» The Bulldogs went 6-for-11 (.545) with runners in scoring position.
» Bowie State pitchers limited Albany State (GA) to just 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position.
» BSU pitchers faced 24 Albany State hitters in the game, allowing five ground balls and six fly balls while striking out four.
» Edmond led the Bulldogs at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a triple and three RBI.
» ASU was led offensively by R. Mcleod, who went 3-for-3.

THE BULLDOGS SCHEDULE
Friday, Feb. 16 vs. Albany State at 7:30 p.m. | Field 3
Saturday, Feb. 17 vs. Kentucky State at 12:30 p.m. | Field 2
Saturday, Feb. 17 vs. TBA at 5:30 p.m. | Field 3
Sunday, Feb. 18 vs. Edward Waters at 12:30 p.m. | Field 2
Sunday, Feb. 18 vs. Tuskegee at 3 p.m. | Field 3

Next 
Following the CIAA/SIAC Challenge, Bowie State will travel to Washington, D.C. to take on Howard on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 12 noon.

For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 13 varsity sport teams, visit bsubulldogs.com.