DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Jackson State’s softball team opened its series against Bethune-Cookman with a 3-2 victory Friday at Sunnyland Park. The Tigers took an early lead and relied on steady pitching from Jorgina Gant to secure the win.
Jackson State (19-16, 11-3 SWAC) scored twice in the first inning. After loading the bases with two outs, Brooklyn Morris singled to left field, bringing home Meah Almaraz and Jace Jackson for a 2-0 lead. The early cushion proved crucial in a game that remained competitive throughout.
Bethune-Cookman (13-25, 9-7 SWAC) scored single runs in the fifth and seventh innings to narrow the gap. However, Jackson State responded with an insurance run in the top of the seventh. The Wildcats threatened in the final inning, scoring once and putting pressure on the Tigers’ defense, but Jackson State held on for the one-run victory.
Gant pitched a complete game, allowing two runs on seven hits with three strikeouts. She earned her eighth win of the season. Offensively, Jackson State totaled eight hits, led by Jackson, Almaraz and Gabrielle Willis, who each had two. Almaraz doubled and drove in a run, while Morris recorded two RBIs, the most in the game.
The Tigers will try to clinch the series in Saturday’s doubleheader, with first pitch scheduled for 12 p.m. Follow Jackson State athletics on social media at @GoJSUTigers (Instagram and Twitter) and Jackson State Tigers (Facebook), or visit GoJSUTigers.com for more coverage.
