VICKSBURG, Miss. — The Tennessee State University Tiger Softball Team won two games yesterday on the strength of their pitching and timely late-inning hitting in the River City Classic. Today they look to continue their good play when they take on HBCU foes Grambling State (10 a.m. CST) and Alcorn State (noon CST). TSU scored two runs in the seventh inning in both games to take the lead and preserve the wins.
 
"We talk about grit all the time, and it paid off today, said Tiger head coach Genee McRath. "To finish games like that brings much energy. I hope that we can carry it on to tomorrow."
 
The Matchup:  Grambling State (2-0) vs. Tennessee State Tigers (2-0).  
Date/Time: Sunday, February 12|| 10:00 a.m. (CST)
Location: Sports Force Parks | Vicksburg, Mississippi


The Matchup: Tennessee State Tigers (2-0) vs. Alcorn State
Date/Time: Sunday, February 12|| noon (CST)
Location: Sports Force Parks | Vicksburg, Mississippi

SCOUTING THE TIGERS:
Caitlyn Manus and and true freshman Holly Ayala held their own in yesterday's games. Manus only gave up three hits and one run in the complete game victory against Xavier of Louisiana. Ayala started the second game and went four innings giving up two earned runs before Manus came on in relief, pitching the final three innings to get the win.
 
Freshman Ryla Traylor smacked a home run to get TSU on the board in the first game, and two RBIs by freshman Jasmine Blackburn in the seventh gave the tigers the cushion they needed.
 
Against Jackson State, TSU rallied in the seventh inning with two outs to get the win. TSU was paced by Traylor, who went 3-for-4 on the day with a double and an RBI. Freshman Nahtali Simpson also compiled a standout performance at the plate, going 1-for-4 with a double and two RBI. Blackburn also chipped in for Tennessee State, putting together one hit in three trips to the dish while adding an RBI.
 
SCOUTING GRAMBLING STATE
Last season, Grambling State eclipsed the 20-win mark for the first time in over a decade. Grambling State closed the season with a 24-24 overall record, qualifying for the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Tournament with an 11-13 mark in conference play. On Friday, they defeated Southeastern Baptist 11-1 to start the season 1-0.
 
SCOUTING ALCORN STATE
Alcorn State went 2-0 with a 4-2 victory over host Jackson State and a 12-1 victory over Southeastern Baptist on Saturday.
 
UP NEXT: On Friday, February 17, the Tigers will host the Roar City Classic.