Jackson State University lost both games of a SWAC softball series against Bethune-Cookman on Saturday in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Tigers won the first game 4-1 but fell 8-1 in the second, according to team sources.
In the first game, Jackson State broke the scoring ice in the fifth inning. Mackenzie Barney reached base, and Ka’Liyah Gipson advanced into scoring position before Jace Jackson delivered a single to left field, giving the Tigers a 1-0 lead, the school reported. Jackson finished 2-for-4 with a double and the only RBI for Jackson State. Gabrielle Willis added a double, and Ariana Murillo, Meah Almaraz, Nakayla Williams and Brooklyn Morris each contributed hits in the nine-hit effort.
Brooklyn Morris pitched for Jackson State, holding Bethune-Cookman scoreless through five innings with limited contact. However, the Wildcats rallied in the sixth, scoring four runs on timely hits to take control. Despite the setback, the Tigers showed resilience early on, with solid offensive pressure and defensive effort, but could not hold off Bethune-Cookman’s late surge.
The second game saw Bethune-Cookman score six runs in the third inning and add two more in the fifth to win 8-1, the school said. Jackson State had 10 hits but was unable to capitalize consistently, despite threats throughout the game. Jace Jackson led the Tigers with a 3-for-4 effort, while Gabrielle Willis drove in the team’s only run. Ariana Murillo scored that run, and Nakayla Williams added a double.
For the second game, Jayden Rutledge started on the mound for Jackson State, with Addison Jennings and Jorgina Gant also seeing relief duty. Gant pitched the final inning, allowing just one hit, the school reported. Jackson State will return home to host Alabama A&M in its final home series of the season starting Friday at 5 p.m., according to the athletic department.
