MOREHEAD, Ky. – The Tennessee State softball team showed strong fight and early momentum Sunday afternoon at University Field, building an early lead and producing another solid offensive performance in a 6-3 Ohio Valley Conference contest against Morehead State.
Tianna Salcido earned the start in the circle for Tennessee State, working the first three innings before returning to record the final out of the game. Chelsi Ervin provided steady relief in the middle innings as the Tigers continued to battle throughout the afternoon.
Tennessee State came out aggressive from the opening pitch. After two early outs in the first inning, Jace Jackson sparked the offense with a single up the middle, followed by a base hit from Hailey Hunt. A wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position, setting the stage for Kailyn Jean-Baptiste, who delivered an RBI single to third base. Hunt also crossed the plate on a throwing error, giving the Tigers a quick 2-0 advantage and early control of the contest.
The Tigers remained composed defensively while continuing to apply pressure at the plate. Tennessee State answered back again in the fifth inning as Mariyah Brown's fly ball started another rally. JaKeyla McDaniel singled to reach base, and Jasmine Blackburn followed with a hit to put runners in scoring position. Jackson executed a well-placed bunt single that brought McDaniel home, restoring a TSU lead at 3-2.
Offensively, Tennessee State consistently generated opportunities, collecting 10 hits across the game. McDaniel and Jackson each recorded three-hit performances to pace the lineup, while Jean-Baptiste added two hits and an RBI. Hunt and Blackburn also contributed key base hits that helped fuel multiple scoring threats for the Tigers.
Inside the circle, Salcido and Ervin combined efforts to keep Tennessee State within striking distance, while the defense continued to battle through every inning. The Tigers carried momentum into the late frames, adding baserunners in the seventh inning as McDaniel and Jackson again reached safely, but the comeback push was narrowly halted.
Tennessee State returns to action Wednesday, April 15, as the Tigers travel to face Middle Tennessee State in a midweek matchup. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. at MTSU.
