GULFPORT, Miss. | Alabama State University erased a four-run deficit with a nine-run seventh inning Wednesday to defeat Jackson State University 10-5 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Softball Tournament at the Gulfport Sportsplex.
Trailing 5-1 entering the top of the seventh, Alabama State erupted for seven hits in the inning, highlighted by Bailee Williams' go-ahead three-run home run to left-center field that gave the Hornets an 8-5 advantage.
Jackson State struck first with a five-run opening inning. Meah Almaraz delivered a sacrifice fly before RBI singles from Brooklyn Morris, Mackenzie Barney and Kristina Carlson helped the Tigers build the early 5-0 lead.
The Hornets answered with a run in the third inning when Arianna Cox-Cole dropped down a bunt single that scored Meshayla Pettaway to cut the deficit to 5-1.
Alabama State's offense came alive in the seventh. Jaibriel Terrell, Talee Sims, and McKenzie Owens opened the inning with consecutive singles before Brooke Ramsey and Cox-Cole each drew RBI walks. Alana Scott followed with a two-run single up the middle to tie the game at 5-5.
Williams then delivered the decisive blow, launching a three-run homer to left-center that scored Scott and Cox-Cole. Later in the inning, Sims doubled and eventually scored on a throwing error before Owens capped the scoring with an RBI single for the final 10-5 margin.
Kohana Pousson (12-8) earned the victory in relief, allowing four hits and no runs over 6.1 innings while striking out four. Jorgina Gant (10-7) took the loss for Jackson State after surrendering six earned runs in 6.1 innings.
Williams finished 1-for-2 with a home run and three RBI, while Scott went 1-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored. Sims paced Alabama State offensively, going 3-for-4 with two runs scored, and Owens added a pair of hits and two RBI off the bench.
For Jackson State, Carlson drove in two runs, while Morris and Barney each collected an RBI.
Alabama State improved to 24-31 overall and advances to face the winner of Bethune-Cookman and Southern on Thursday at 6 p.m. in Gulfport.
