MONTGOMERY, AL – The Alabama State softball team just keep rolling along through SWAC opponents this season. 
 
The host Lady Hornets made it four straight conference sweeps by defeating Jackson State 5-4 in eight innings and then picked up its second shutout of the series with a 3-0 win in game two on the day to sweep their three-game conference series Saturday at the Barbara Williams Softball Complex.
 
Alabama State (21-20, 12-0 SWAC) pushed above .500 for the first time this season and equaled their best start in the SWAC when the team went 12-0 back in conference play the 2001 season.
 
Maddie Phelps (14-7) looked dominant as ever, picking up two more wins in different fashion.
 
The senior came on in relief and worked two innings in the first game and then pitched a four-hit shutout to earn all three victories on the weekend.
 
Phelps struck out a combined six batters and did not allow a walk.
 
"We can't ask her [Phelps] to do any more than she has already done," said ASU head coach Chris Steiner-Wilcoxson.
 
"We knew that Jackson State had seen her yesterday so you have to change what you do and make adjustments.  For Maddie to have that mentality of wanting the ball is a big factor in her success." 
 
In game one with runners on second and third, Valerie Centeno hit a grounder to shortstop.
 
Brittney Wilson raced home to beat the throw as the Lady Hornets pulled off the walk-off victory 5-4 in eight innings.
 
Seven ASU players had one hit apiece while Laura Aguilar and Centeno each reached base three times. 
 
In game two, Alabama State gave Phelps three runs of support in the third inning on a two-run single by Jenna Mae Thorne and a RBI single by Charlene Castro. 
 
"Jackson State is a good ball team and they put a lot of pressure on us offensively and defensively," Steiner-Wilcoxson added. 
 
"Our girls did a good job of being scrappy and doing whatever it took to win. 
 
Down 3-0 in the first game, we had too many walks.  I was proud of them for getting into position to get back into the game.  They never quit.  The biggest thing was the hustle factor, taking extra bases and making the most of every opportunity."
 
The Tigers dropped to 6-23 overall and 3-8 in the SWAC.
 
Up next
Alabama State will play at Kennesaw State on Wednesday at 3 p.m. CT. 
 
#GOHORNETS#