Alabama State advances to SWAC Softball Tournament Final
SWAC.org
Alabama State 8, Southern 7
Box Score
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Alabama State fended off a late Southern comeback to advance to the finals of the 2017 SWAC Softball Tournament 8-7.
Valerie Centeno put the Lady Hornets (20-32) on the board with a RBI triple off of Southern starter Kayleigh Thomas, scoring Laura Aguilar. The Lady Hornets continued their quick start as Kendall Core followed with a RBI single, and Perry Hindi delivered a RBI double to build a quick 3-0 lead.
Alabama State continued to put on the pressure, as Brittney Wilson smacked a RBI single that allowed two runs to score thanks to fielding error at shortstop. After a Taylor Rosser RBI single, the Lady Hornets took a 6-0 advantage to the second.
After the sides traded scoreless frames, Southern (17-22) put some offense together in the fourth. Tiara Scott belted a RBI double to the left field wall to score Kiara Suttles and get the Jaguars its first run of the game. After the Jaguars chased ASU starter Vanessa Bradford, Jamani Greer slapped a RBI single off of Lady Hornets hurler Justine Jean, during which Jade Luke also scored thanks to an error at first.
Alabama State responded in the bottom of the frame as Centeno delivered a RBI double to score Kaylee Davis and later scored on a fielder's choice. Southern stayed in striking distance as Shauna Knighten smacked an RBI single down the left field line, bringing in Suttles. After loading the bases, the Jaguars pushed one across after Jamani Greer was hit by a Jean offering before inducing a inning-ending groundout.
In the seventh, Southern mounted another charge as Greer hit hopper to Alexia Boggess that was misplayed, allowing Knighten to score and put runners at the corners. Suttles was struck by a pitch to bring the Jaguars within one, but Charlene Castro forced a Scott groundout to end the game. The Jaguars stranded 12 runners.
Jean got the win with 2.2 innings of work and two earned runs allowed (four total). Centeno was 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored. Scott and Knighten each had two hits. Alabama State now faces Texas Southern for the title, with the Lady Hornets needing to win twice to successfully defend their title.