GULFPORT, Miss. | The Jackson State softball team jumped out to an early five-run lead, but Alabama State rallied late to hand the Tigers a 10-5 setback Thursday at Gulfport Sportsplex.
The Tigers wasted no time taking control, plating five runs in the bottom of the first. Meah Almaraz opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly before Brooklyn Morris and Mackenzie Barney each delivered RBI singles. Kristina Carlson capped the frame with a two-run single up the middle to give Jackson State a 5-0 advantage.
Alabama State rallied in the top of the seventh inning scoring nine runs in the frame to gain the advantage.
Jackson State finished with seven hits, led by Ka'Liyah Gipson, Ariana Murillo, Morris, Barney, Beija Allen, Gabrielle Willis and Carlson with one hit apiece. Carlson drove in a team-high two runs, while Almaraz, Morris and Barney each added an RBI.
Jorgina Gant kept Alabama State in check for much of the afternoon, working 6.1 innings and striking out three. The Hornets were held to one run through six innings before breaking through with a nine-run seventh.
Murillo added a stolen base for the Tigers, while Carlson helped control the running game behind the plate with two caught stealings.
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