The Jackson State University softball team lost a close game to Marist College, 7-6, during the Lion Invitational in Commerce, Texas on Sunday morning. The Tigers held a 4-3 lead going into the sixth inning but were unable to maintain their advantage.
Pitcher Madison McDowell took the loss for Jackson State. Brooklyn Morris started for the Tigers and pitched five innings, giving up three earned runs on five hits, with no walks and two strikeouts.
Courtney Little led Jackson State offensively by going 1-for-3 with a double, a walk, and two RBIs. Avelina Mclean also had a strong showing at the plate, finishing 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI. Gabrielle Willis contributed two hits in four at-bats and added another RBI.
Jackson State (now 4-4) scored first in the fourth inning, putting up four runs including a two-run groundout from Little. Marist (5-4) responded by scoring six runs to take a 6-4 lead. In the seventh inning, JSU managed to tie the game at 6-6 by adding two more runs. However, Marist scored once in the bottom of the seventh to secure the win.
During the game, Jackson State’s highest scoring came in the fourth inning with four runs. Four Tiger hitters collected multiple hits. The team’s pitchers faced 30 Marist batters and allowed six ground balls and nine fly balls while striking out two hitters. The Tigers drew four walks from Marist pitching.
For Marist, Haley Ahr led offensively by going 4-for-4 with three doubles and two RBIs. Stella Blanchard was effective on the mound for Marist, pitching 3.2 innings and allowing just two runs.
Jackson State will next play at home against Belhaven on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
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