JACKSON – Alabama A&M defeated Jackson State 5-4 Friday evening in the Southwestern Athletic Conference opener.
 
Jaylyn Williams recorded a pair of RBI; a sacrifice fly to center field in the fifth inning and an RBI ground out in the top of the ninth. Williams also drew three walks.
 
Raul Hernandez batted 2-for-4 with an RBI and Wesley Reyes finished 1-for-5 with an RBI and scored a run.
 
Nickelle Galatas tossed seven and one-thirds and allowed nine hits, five runs (two earned) and three walks and fanned eight batters.
 
Kevin Perez entered in relief and tossed one and two-thirds and surrendered one hit and fanned a pair of batters.
 
The two teams meet on the diamond Saturday for a 3 p.m. start.