NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee State softball team opened its Ohio Valley Conference home series against Western Illinois on Saturday at Tiger Field, showcasing a strong offensive performance across both games of the doubleheader while continuing to battle through competitive moments throughout the day.
LATE SURGE NOT ENOUGH AS TSU DROPS GAME ONE TO WIU
Tennessee State came out aggressive in game one, producing one of its strongest offensive outings of the season. The Tigers jumped ahead early in the bottom of the first inning when Jace Jackson doubled to ignite the offense before Kailyn Jean-Baptiste drove in the opening run with an RBI single. Alexis Woods followed with a two-run triple to left center, giving TSU a quick 3-0 lead and early momentum.
The Tigers continued to respond offensively throughout the contest. After Western Illinois surged ahead in the middle innings, Tennessee State answered with a four-run fourth inning. Dani James sparked the rally with a double, while Mariyah Brown, JaKeyla McDaniel, and Jasmine Blackburn contributed timely at-bats to bring the Tigers back within striking distance. Blackburn later stole home, highlighting TSU's aggressive approach on the bases.
Tennessee State finished game one with 14 hits, led by Woods' four RBI performance. James added three hits and two RBI, while Jackson and Jean-Baptiste each played key roles in generating scoring opportunities. The Tigers mounted another late push in the seventh inning, stringing together multiple hits and scoring four runs to nearly complete the comeback before falling 14-11.
RICHARDSON GOES THE DISTANCE IN GAME TWO AGAINST THE LEATHERNECKS
In game two, Tennessee State once again struck first and leaned on a strong effort in the circle. Courtney Richardson earned the start and delivered a complete-game performance, keeping the Leathernecks off balance through much of the afternoon.
The Tigers took an early 2-0 advantage in the opening frame. JaKeyla McDaniel reached base to begin the inning and moved into scoring position before Jasmine Blackburn worked a walk. Jackson followed with a bunt single to load the bases, and Hailey Hunt brought home the first run on a fielder's choice. Alexis Woods added a sacrifice fly to extend the Tennessee State lead.
Richardson settled into rhythm defensively, and the Tigers backed her with clean fielding while limiting opportunities through the middle innings. Offensively, TSU continued to pressure Western Illinois pitching as Jackson collected three hits and multiple Tigers reached base to create scoring chances.
The contest remained tight into the late innings before Western Illinois capitalized on a late scoring opportunity to claim a 4-2 decision. Tennessee State continued to fight in its final at-bat, placing runners on base before the comeback attempt came up short.
Across the doubleheader, the Tigers displayed consistent offensive production, aggressive baserunning, and resilient play, combining for 13 runs and multiple multi-hit performances while competing in every inning.
Tennessee State will return to action Sunday afternoon as the Tigers close out the series against Western Illinois at Tiger Field with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m.
