GREENSBORO, N.C. – North Carolina A&T softball lost to Appalachian State 3-2 in extra innings at Aggie Softball Complex on Wednesday afternoon.  The Aggies (5-6) are now 1-2 in extra-inning games this season.

A big third inning gave the Aggies the lead. N.C. A&T was able to maintain their lead until the visitor’s fifth mainly because of pitcher Mohagony Headen, who threw a no-hitter through four innings. App State broke through in the fifth, but she still only allowed five hits with 12 strikeouts in 34 batters faced. At the plate, junior center fielder Raven Gray led the team, going 2-for-3 with an RBI.

The Aggies third started with a leadoff double to left center by Kimberly Brunson. A sacrifice bunt from Headen was enough for Brunson to reach second. A single from freshman Stephanie Williams forced Appalachian State to change pitchers as Brunson went to third. With Kenzie Longanecker in the circle, Gray singled and advanced Williams to third while Brunson scored the first run of the game. A groundout by Lauren Dunlow gave her an RBI as Williams crossed home to complete the two-run third.

Headen tried to keep her no-hitter alive to start the fifth with a fly out by Cara Parker to right field, but a double to left field from Sidney Russell would end the no-no. Parker moved to third on a wild pitch and back-to-back doubles from Keri White and Natalie Orcutt tied the game at 2.

The score held until the two teams were forced to head to extra innings. Per extra inning rules, Gabby Buruato was placed on second base for the Mountaineers with Jenny Dodd heading to the plate. Buruato advanced to third on the throw of a fly out to right field. A single to center from Haley Stewart scored Buruato for the go-ahead run.  

The Aggies looked to even the score in the bottom of the eighth as Alyssa Green was placed on second with Williams at the plate. Williams reached on a fielder’s choice as Green was out at second. Longanecker walked Gray, moving Williams to second. A groundout from Dunlow advanced each runner, but a groundout to second base from Pacheco ended the game.

N.C. A&T returns to action this weekend at the Jacksonville Tournament where they will face Akron and Jacksonville to start the tournament on Saturday, Feb. 25.