W. Kentucky tops Alabama State in Round 1

ATLANTA, GA – Western Kentucky opened up the National Invitational Softball Championship in grand fashion Tuesday. The Hilltoppers totaled 11 runs over five innings to best the Alabama State Hornets, 11-1.

Brittany Vaughn shined for WKU, reaching base in all three appearances. Vaughn ended the game with two hits, a walk, one home run, two RBI and three runs scored.

Valerie Centeno scored the first official run of the 2017 tournament with a solo shot to right field in the top of the first inning. Alexia Boggess claimed the only other extra-base hit for the Hornets with a double in the fourth inning.

Western Kentucky resets to face Kennesaw State at 4 p.m. ET. The Hornets will drop down and await the loser of the Georgia State and UT Martin contest at 7 p.m. ET.