CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Johnson C. Smith University comeback effort came up just short Tuesday afternoon as Benedict College held on for a 12-11 victory in a back-and-forth contest.
Johnson C. Smith (9-30) erased an early deficit and built multiple leads, highlighted by a five-run second inning that gave the Golden Bulls control.
DazeJah Lanham delivered an RBI double, and
Taylor Bullard added a two-run single as part of the surge.
The Golden Bulls continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning, scoring three more runs.
Jahzira Hogan sparked the offense and later scored during a sequence that included a steal of home, while
Skylar Bledsoe added an RBI single to extend the lead to 8-3.
Benedict (9-29) chipped away, but JCSU remained in front into the late innings.
Aniylah Lane paced the offense, reaching base five times with two hits and three walks, while Hogan finished with three hits and four runs scored.
After Benedict rallied to take a late lead in the seventh, Johnson C. Smith answered in the bottom half. Lane delivered an RBI single to tie the game at 9, capping another resilient push by the Golden Bulls.
Benedict ultimately did enough earlier in the inning to secure the win, despite Johnson C. Smith's continued fight at the plate.
Logan Masinky took the loss, allowing 12 runs on 17 hits over seven innings.
Johnson C. Smith totaled 10 hits and drew 11 walks.
