Box Score Watch Replay
GULFPORT, Miss.- The Jackson State softball team took a 1-0 lead in the first inning and never trailed from there on the way to a 3-1 victory over the Florida A&M to claim its first SWAC Tournament title in 13 years on Friday afternoon.
Jace Jackson was named SWAC Tournament MVP, while Mari Stephens, Julie Lopez, Ka'Liyah Gipson and Victoria Salazar were tabbed All-Tournament team
Sofia Gonzalez got the win for Jackson State in the circle . She went seven innings, giving up one run on eight hits, allowing one walk and striking out three.
In the batter's box, the Tigers were paced by Kristina Carlson, who went 3-for-3 on the day with an RBI. Mari Stephens compiled a noteworthy day at the dish as well, going 1-for-4 with a triple. Meah Almaraz also helped out for Jackson State, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate.
Jackson State got the scoring started early, putting one run on the board in the top of the first inning. The Tigers got an RBI single from Jace Jackson, scoring Stephens from third base.
FAMU then tied the ballgame at one before the Tigers came back to reclaim their advantage in the fourth inning. JSU scored once on an RBI single off the bat of Carlson, which brought the score to 2-1 in favor of the Tigers.
Jackson State held Florida A&M scoreless before building their lead to 3-1 in the sixth inning. The Tigers recorded a run when Samiyyah Huckabee drew a walk that scored senior Jalia Hubbard. The score remained 3-1 for the rest of the game, as Jackson State held on for the win.
The NCAA Selection Show is set for Sunday, May 12 on ESPN2 at 6 p.m. CT. The NCAA Regionals begin May 16/17 and run through May 19 with the Super Regionals set for May 23-25/26 and the Women’s College World Series starting May 30.
All-Tournament Team
Biviana Figueroa, PVAMU
Kohana Pousson, ASU
Jaeda Gardner, ASU
Alexia Denby, ASU
Nyah Morgan, FAMU
Zoryana Hughes, FAMU
Mia Blasingane, FAMU
Victoria Salazar, JSU
Mari Stephens, JSU
Jace Jackson, JSU
Julie Lopez, JSU
Kaliyah Gipson, JSU
Most Valuable Player
Jace Jackson, JSU
About the SWAC
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is considered one of the premier HBCU conferences in the country and currently ranks among the elite in the nation in terms of HBCU alumni playing with professional sports teams.
Current championship competition offered by the league includes competition for men in Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field and Tennis.
Women’s competition is offered in the sports of Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Soccer, Softball, Tennis and Volleyball.
Follow the SWAC
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