MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The Tennessee State softball team returns to midweek action Wednesday evening as the Tigers travel across Middle Tennessee for a nonconference matchup against Middle Tennessee State. First pitch is set for 5 p.m. at Blue Raider Softball Field.

The contest marks another in-state battle for Tennessee State as the Tigers continue their spring schedule against regional opponents. Wednesday's matchup also features a familiar storyline, as former TSU standout Onnika Spencer now competing for Middle Tennessee State after playing for the Tigers last season.

Last Time Out
Tennessee State enters the midweek game coming off an Ohio Valley Conference series at Morehead State where the Tigers showed continued offensive growth. TSU jumped out to an early lead in the series finale and produced a 10-hit performance highlighted by strong outings from Jace Jackson and JaKeyla McDaniel at the plate. The Tigers have continued to generate scoring opportunities through aggressive baserunning and timely hitting as conference play progresses.

Scouting the Matchup
Middle Tennessee holds a 17-3 advantage in the all-time series, including a 2-0 victory in Nashville during the 2025 season. The Tigers' last win over the Blue Raiders came in 2017, and Tennessee State will look to snap a nine-game skid in the series on Wednesday.

Despite the historical results, many recent meetings have been competitive contests, with TSU continuing to close the gap against its in-state counterpart. Tennessee State will aim to carry momentum from recent offensive performances into Murfreesboro while continuing to build consistency in the circle and defensively.

Players to Watch
Tennessee State's offense has been fueled by consistent production at the top of the lineup. Jackson and McDaniel have sparked multiple rallies in recent games, while Kailyn Jean-Baptiste has delivered key RBIs in pressure situations. The Tigers have also seen steady contributions across the lineup as they continue emphasizing contact hitting and manufacturing runs.

In the circle, Tennessee State's pitching staff continues to share responsibilities, with Tianna Salcido, Chelsi Ervin, and Miriam Gordon providing valuable innings as the Tigers navigate a busy stretch of games.

Up Next
Following Wednesday's matchup, Tennessee State returns home to host Western Illinois for a three-game series at Tiger Field. The Tigers will play a doubleheader Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., followed by the series finale Sunday at 1 p.m. in Nashville.