CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. – The Tennessee State softball team closed out its Ohio Valley Conference series against Southeast Missouri on Sunday afternoon at the SE Softball Complex. The Tigers dropped both games of the doubleheader, falling 14-4 in the opener and 9-1 in the finale.
Miriam Gordon got the start in game one, pitching 1.2 innings while allowing eight runs (six earned) on six hits. Kristian Holder and Courtney Richardson provided relief out of the bullpen. In game two, Tianna Salcido started in the circle, going 3.0 innings, while Chelsi Ervin added 1.2 innings in relief.
Kyra Taylor and Jasmine Blackburn led the Tigers offensively in game one, each hitting a two-run home run in the second inning to give TSU an early 4-1 lead. Mariyah Brown added a hit, while Kayden Porter and Jace Jackson also contributed offensively as the Tigers recorded four hits.
Tennessee State jumped out in front in the second inning of game one behind the back-to-back home runs from Taylor and Blackburn. However, Southeast Missouri responded with a seven-run second inning and added six more runs across the third to take control of the game. The Tigers were unable to recover as SEMO secured the 14-4 win.
In game two, Courtney Richardson led TSU with a 2-for-2 performance, including a double and the Tigers' lone run scored. Jasmine Blackburn, Alexis Woods, Jace Jackson, and Kyra Taylor each added hits as Tennessee State totaled five in the contest.
The Tigers struck first in the third inning of game two when Richardson stole home to give TSU a 1-0 lead. Southeast Missouri answered with a run in the third before breaking the game open with a six-run fourth inning. The Redhawks added two more runs in the fifth to extend their lead and seal the 9-1 victory.
Tennessee State will look to regroup as the Tigers continue Ohio Valley Conference play on Friday and Saturday April 3rd and 4th at 1, 3:30 and 1 pm. TSU will be hosting an easter egg hunt for all children under the age of 18 in between the two games on Friday.
