Jackson State softball accomplished something the program hadn’t done in 13 years.
Take home a SWAC Tournament championship.
The Tigers jumped out to an early lead and cruised to a 3-1 win over Florida A&M on Friday afternoon.
Sofia Gonzalez got the win for Jackson State in the circle (33-17). She went seven innings, giving up one run on eight hits, allowing one walk and striking out three.
At the plate, the Tigers were paced by Kristina Carlson, who went 3-for-3 on the day with an RBI. Mari Stephens also compiled a noteworthy day at the dish, going 1-for-4 with a triple. Meah Almaraz also helped for Jackson State, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate.
THEE 2024 SWAC CHAMPIONS🏆
Jackson State defeats Florida A&M 3-1 to claim its first SWAC Tournament Championship title since 2011🥎 #TheeILove | #SWACSB | #GoJSUTigersSB🐅 pic.twitter.com/PTUtiiDRQp
— Jackson State Athletics (@GoJSUTigers) May 10, 2024
Jackson State started the scoring 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.
FAMU tied the ballgame at one before the Tigers returned 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.
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.
Jace Jackson was named SWAC Tournament MVP, while Mari Stephens, Julie Lopez, Ka’Liyah Gipson and Victoria Salazar were tabbed All-Tournament team.
Courtesy: Jackson State Athletics