William Owens
Blue & White Flash / Staff Writer
The Lady Tigers of Jackson State entered the Spring Kick-off tournament after defeating Southeast Missouri State 1-0. The women’s softball team arrived into the tournament with much momentum after winning their first game, and finishing last season as the divisional champions.
Jackson State faced many problems in their first game against Belmont. The Lady Tigers lost by a score of 7-4, and left seven runners on base throughout the course of the game. Although Jackson State had two more hits than Belmont, runs were scored through the two errors that JSU had in the game.
Right Fielder Kat Hollingsworth was a key player for the Bruins as she hit for two doubles, and had three RBI’s. Starting Pitcher for Belmont received the win as she pitched 5.1 innings giving up 8 hits, but had an even better game on offense as she had 2 hits, 2 RBI’s, and scored two runs.
The second team that the Lady Tigers laced their cleats up against was the Valparaiso Crusaders. Jasmine Warren received the loss for the Lady Tigers as the Crusaders steamrolled over Jackson State 11-2.
Catcher Jannelle Bouchard was a major factor in the win for the Crusaders as she a blasted a homerun to left center and finished the game with 5 RBI’s. Left Fielder Tori Brown also had an excellent game for the Crusaders as she batted 3-3 with 4 RBI’s.
Jackson State’s last stop of the tourney was against the Bears of Central Arkansas.UCA clawed their way to the win defeating JSU 7-3. Br. Jamerson pitched a full game for the Lady Tigers striking out 5 batters, but gave up 7 runs on 6 hits.
Third Baseman Lindsay Elliot had a great game from the plate, batting 3-4 with 1 RBI. Pitcher Taylor Barclay was also a sparkplug for the Bears on the mound as the Lady Tigers only reached base once from a hit in 3.1 innings as she received the victory for the game.
JSU softball players explain what the team has to do improve in its next matchup.
“For the next game against Arkansas, I think we need to come together and play as a team and bring our talent together to show teams what we have,” said Amanda Vasquez, a senior interdisciplinary studies major from Phoenix, Ariz.
Felicia Wilson, a senior interdisciplinary study major from Phoenix, Ariz., said “The biggest strength of the team is how cohesive we are.”
Look for many changes to be made for the Lady Tiger’s game Wednesday against the Razorbacks of Arkansas who are currently on a 7 game winning streak.
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