TSU Softball Falls to Jackson State in Rematch

FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas - Tennessee State fell behind early and could not recover as they drop their semifinal game to Jackson State at the University of Arkansas Tournament. The Tigers fall to 4-4 on the season after an 8-1 loss to JSU (8-6).

JSU jumped on top in the first inning scoring two runs on two hits, two walks and a miscue. Jackson State was looking to add more with one out and runners on second and third, but freshman Savannah Gutierrez stepped up to stop the JSU threat. The leftfielder set up perfectly on a fly ball and, after the catch, threw a strike to catcher Devin Amar who applied the tag on the would-be scorer.

The Tigers responded in the bottom of the first with a two-out rally. Jordan Rehl drove a double just out of the reach of the JSU leftfielder and scored two pitches later when Amar smoked a ball through the right side of the infield. The Tigers lone run of the game cut the lead to 2-1 after the first.

Starting pitcher Olivia Gamache (1-2) ran into more trouble in the second as she issued free passes to the first two batters, before surrendering a three-run home run to make the score 5-1 Jackson State. Kelly Troglin relived Gamache and gave up a single that plated one more run for JSU.

Troglin would settle in as the senior allowed just one earned run in her 5.1 innings of relief.

The Tigers continued their quest of trying to cut into the JSU lead as they put runners on in six of the seven innings. TSU could not find the clutch hit as they left nine runners on base, including bases loaded in the fourth and two runners stranded in both the sixth and seventh innings.

Rehl and Kate Morris led the way at the plate both going 2-for-3 in the game.

Shann'da Hamer delivered a hit in her first collegiate at bat as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning.

Tedra Alford picked up a hit in her final at bat of the game to extend her hitting streak to five games.

Amar, Ashley Haynes, Brittany Davis and Tayler Shimizu also registered hits in the Tigers ten hit attack.

The Tigers will face the loser of the Arkansas-Northwestern State semifinal, to be played Saturday evening. Sunday's game time is scheduled for 10 a.m.

COURTESY: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION