NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee State softball team returns to Tiger Field this weekend to close out its home schedule, hosting SIUE in a three-game Ohio Valley Conference series on Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26. First pitch is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., followed by the series finale Sunday at 1 p.m., with Senior Day festivities set to begin at noon.

The Tigers enter the weekend carrying momentum after one of their strongest offensive performances of the season, a 20-9 run-rule victory over Western Illinois. Tennessee State produced a season-high run total in the win, highlighted by explosive offense throughout the lineup, aggressive baserunning, and timely hitting that saw multiple Tigers record multi-hit and multi-RBI performances.

Jace Jackson, Hailey Hunt, Alexis Woods, and Noelani Wilkerson helped power the offensive surge last time out, while Courtney Richardson provided steady relief pitching to secure the victory. Tennessee State will look to carry that energy into its final home stand as the team pushes toward the closing stretch of conference play.

The matchup with SIUE has historically produced competitive contests. Since the first meeting in 2011, the Cougars hold a 25-10 advantage in the all-time series, including a three-game winning streak entering the weekend. Last season's meeting in Edwardsville ended in a narrow 10-9 extra-inning loss for Tennessee State, continuing a trend of closely contested battles between the programs.

Despite the overall series record, recent history shows improved balance between the teams. The Tigers and Cougars have split the last 10 matchups evenly at 5-5, including a strong 2024 stretch in which Tennessee State won four consecutive games against SIUE. Tennessee State will look to defend its home field, where several of those recent victories have taken place.

Sunday's finale will carry added significance as Tennessee State celebrates Senior Day, honoring the program's graduating class prior to first pitch. The senior group has played a key role in building the program's competitive growth and will take the field at Tiger Field one final time in front of the home crowd.

With postseason positioning on the line and emotions high for the final home series of the year, the Tigers aim to build on their recent offensive momentum and finish the home slate strong against a familiar conference opponent.