NASHVILLE – The Tennessee State softball team returned home Wednesday evening for a midweek matchup against Chattanooga at Tiger Field. The Tigers fell 9-3 despite a late push in the middle innings.

Chelsi Ervin made her first start of the season, pitching 0.2 innings. Tianna Salcido entered in relief and worked 4.1 innings, recording two strikeouts while facing 20 batters. Miriam Gordon closed the game for the Tigers, tossing 2.0 scoreless innings in the circle.

Chattanooga jumped out early, scoring three runs in the opening inning and adding another in the second to take a 4-0 lead.

The Mocs continued to apply pressure, capitalizing on timely hitting and Tiger miscues to extend their advantage to 5-0 heading into the fifth inning.

Tennessee State found its spark in the bottom of the fifth. Courtney Richardson reached base and advanced into scoring position before Noelani Wilkerson dropped down a bunt single to put runners on. Jasmine Blackburn reached on a fielder's choice as two runs came across on Chattanooga errors, cutting the deficit to 5-2.

Moments later, Jace Jackson singled and both runners moved into scoring position. Kailyn Jean-Baptiste followed with an RBI groundout to bring the Tigers within two at 5-3.

Chattanooga responded in the top of the sixth with a decisive swing, using a grand slam to plate four runs and extend the lead to 9-3.

The Tigers were unable to generate another rally over the final two innings.

Tennessee State finished with three hits on the night. Blackburn, Jackson, and Wilkerson each recorded a hit, while the Tigers drew four walks and applied pressure on the basepaths with three stolen bases.

The Tigers return to action this weekend as they host UT Martin for a three-game Ohio Valley Conference series. The teams will play a doubleheader Saturday at 1 and 3 p.m., followed by the series finale Sunday at 1 p.m.