Jackson, Miss. — Jackson State softball completed a doubleheader sweep of Bethune-Cookman on Saturday at the JSU Softball Field. The Tigers won the first game 9-6, then edged the Wildcats 7-6 in the nightcap, with both games featuring dramatic late-inning rallies.
In the opener, Ariah Hill’s grand slam keyed a four-run inning that put Jackson State ahead for good. Hill finished 1-for-1 with a home run and four RBIs. Ka’Liyah Gipson went 2-for-4 with a triple and three RBIs, while Brooklyn Morris earned the win in her start, pitching seven innings and allowing six earned runs on nine hits, with two strikeouts.
Jackson State trailed 2-0 early but scored two runs in the first inning. Bethune-Cookman reclaimed the lead before the Tigers rallied in the fourth, tying the game at five. Hill’s grand slam in the sixth inning extended the Tigers’ lead to 9-5. Bethune-Cookman scored once more but could not catch up, and Jackson State held on for the 9-6 victory.
The second game saw Jackson State rally from a 6-3 deficit to walk off with a 7-6 win. Jayden Rutledge pitched 5.2 innings for the Tigers, earning the win, while Addison Jennings threw 1.1 scoreless innings. Zaria Keyes led offensively, going 2-for-2 with a home run and two RBIs. Nakayla Williams also contributed with a double and two RBIs.
Jackson State scored two runs in the seventh inning, capped by Courtney Little’s walk that scored Brooklyn Morris, sealing the victory. The Tigers improved to 14-12 overall and 6-2 in the SWAC with the wins.
The team will host Memphis in a doubleheader Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the JSU Softball Field. Follow Jackson State athletics on social media for more updates.
