Alabama State Rallies to Defeat Jackson State in SWAC Softball Tournament

Gulfport, Miss. — Jackson State took an early five-run lead but could not hold on, falling 10-5 to Alabama State in the SWAC softball tournament Thursday at Gulfport Sportsplex.

The Tigers jumped ahead in the bottom of the first inning, with Meah Almaraz hitting a sacrifice fly. Brooklyn Morris and Mackenzie Barney contributed RBI singles, and Kristina Carlson capped the inning with a two-run single to give Jackson State a 5-0 lead.

Alabama State rallied in the seventh inning, scoring nine runs to take the lead and secure the win. The Hornets scored their only run through six innings before breaking through in the seventh.

Jackson State’s offense was led by seven players with one hit each, including Ka’Liyah Gipson, Ariana Murillo, Morris, Barney, Beija Allen, Gabrielle Willis and Carlson. Carlson drove in a team-high two runs, while Almaraz, Morris and Barney each added an RBI. Jorgina Gant pitched 6.1 innings, striking out three and keeping Alabama State in check for most of the game.

The Hornets’ offense was fueled by the late rally, with Murillo adding a stolen base and Carlson catching two steal attempts behind the plate to help control the running game.

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