The Florida A&M softball team (22-17,18-4) wrapped up their 2023-2024 regular season in a weekend series against the Alabama A&M Bulldogs this past Saturday.
On Friday, the FAMU Rattlers dominated the Alabama A&M Bulldogs 9-1. Samantha Smith, a pitcher, hit a grand slam, placing the Rattlers on top. Freshman Zoryana Hughes went five straight innings, giving two hits and clinching the team to one seed in the SWAC East.
The Rattlers scored immediately, starting with one run in the bottom of the first inning. Later, securing three runs in the hands of Tatianna Davis.
Kayla Alexandre, junior and catcher, reflected on the team’s performance during the first game.
“We set a goal to stay energized throughout the whole game,” Alexandre said. “As a team who thrives off of energy, we produce better and get the results that we want.”
Going to the final day, the Rattlers took a 3-1 lead in the first inning, trailing their way back to a 9-1 victory against the Alabama A&M Bulldogs on Saturday.
Samantha Smith started the circle, picking the win for the Rattlers (23-17,19-4). Moving to the plate, senior Nyah Morgan took 1-for-2 with a walk and an RBI. Senior Amaya Gainer also helped by hitting in one trip to the late while adding two RBI.
While things were going well during the first game, the Rattlers came up short during the last game of the season. Trailing 5-0 in the third inning, Florida A&M got an RNI single from junior Kiauna Watson. The Bulldogs expanded their lead from 6-1 over the Rattler offense, cutting into the lead in the fourth, bringing the score to 6-4, helping the Bulldogs.
Neriah Lee, a sophomore outfielder, quickly noticed the team’s downfall in performance.
“We want to give each teammate the opportunity to display their skills on the field and show they can do what we need to do,” Lee said. “I think if we were to have focused better on polishing the fundamentals, we can show that we can come back.”
The Rattlers kept the Bulldogs off the board before tying at six in the fifth inning. The Bulldogs then scored once more, breaking the tie and grabbing the 7-6 win.
Alexandre and Lee shared what they expect the team to look like going into next season.
“Going into my senior year, I really want to go out with a bang,” Alexandre said. “With 18 people returning back next season, I believe we will have a strong team.”
“Next season, I hope we can secure a championship win,” Lee said. “We have the team, motivation, and drive to secure it.”
The lady Rattlers will compete in the SWAC Tournament from May 7 to May 10 in Gulfport, MI.
For more information and game updates, please connect with the Rattlers on social media. You can follow them on Twitter at @FAMUAthletics, on Facebook at FAMUAth, and on Instagram at @famuathletics.