GULFPORT, Miss. --The Alabama State Hornets fell 6-5 in an eight-inning match-up to the Jackson State Tigers on Wednesday.

Freshman Kohana Pousson (5-7) got the ball to start for Alabama State (26-28) and took the loss. Junior Charity Bibbs was a bright spot for the Hornets, coming out of the bullpen and throwing two innings, giving up one run on two hits, with no walks and three strikeouts.

At the plate, the Hornets were paced by junior Alexia Denby, who went 1-for-4 on the day with a home run and an RBI. Junior Leah Richardson put together a standout performance as well, going 2-for-3 with a walk and two RBI. Senior Jaeda Gardner also helped out for Alabama State, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Hornets put runs on the scoreboard first, starting the scoring in the second inning. Alabama State scored twice in the inning, including one on a solo shot from Denby.

After the Tigers rallied to tie the ballgame at two, the Hornets came back to retake the lead in the eighth inning. Alabama State scored three runs in the frame, buoyed by a two-run single off the bat of Richardson, which brought the Hornets lead to 5-2. The Hornets were unable to hold the lead, as Jackson State scored four times in the bottom half of the eighth to grab the 6-5 win.

GAME NOTES

» Alabama State's highest scoring inning was the eighth, when it pushed three runs across.
» Alabama State went 3-for-6 (.500) with runners in scoring position.
» Alabama State pitchers faced 40 Jackson State hitters in the game, allowing five ground balls and 12 fly balls while striking out four.
» Denby led the Hornets at the plate, going 1-for-4 with a home run and an RBI.
» Jackson State was led offensively by junior Mari Stephens, who went 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBI.

UP NEXT

The Hornets will play Prairie View in a rematch from the first round. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.